A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till February 23, 2015, the trial of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, who is facing money laundering charges.

Fani-Kayode is being prosecuted by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The case, earlier adjourned for the accused to open his defence, was further adjourned at the instance of defence counsel.

When the case was called, the prosecutor reminded the court that the case was for the accused to enter his defence on two counts of the charges against him, having been acquitted of 38 out of the 40 counts initially preferred against him.

In response, defence counsel told the court that although the matter was for the defence to open its case, he would require time to put his house in order and prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him regularize his process.

The trial judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, adjourned the suit to February 23 and 24, 2015 for continuation of trial.

The prosecution had closed its case on July 10, while defence counsel filed a no-case submission on behalf of the accused on August 5.

Delivering ruling on the no-case submission of defence on November 17, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia had partially upheld the no-case submission of accused.

Counts 25 and 26

The court had discharged and acquitted the accused of 38 out of the 40 counts, and had ordered him to enter his defence with respect to counts 25 and 26 of the charge, on which allegations of monetary payments were made.

Count 25 read: “That you, Fani-Kayode on or before September 20, 2006, while serving as Minister of Culture and Tourism in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, made a transaction exceeding N500,000, which was not done through a financial institution, by accepting cash payment of N1 million.

“Which sum was further paid into your personal account number, 103450252601 with First Inland Bank Plc, Apapa branch, now FCMB, through one Supo Agbaje, your administrative staff, now at large.”

Count 26 read: “That you, Fani-Kayode on or before September 20, 2006, while serving as Minister of Culture and Tourism in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, made a transaction exceeding N500,000, which was not done through a financial institution, by accepting cash payment of N1.1 million.

“Which sum was further paid into your personal account number, 103450252601 with First Inland Bank Plc Apapa branch, now FCMB, through one Supo Agbaje, your admini-strative staff, now at large.”

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