The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned two executives of the Covenant Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, its Secretary, Okewole Dayo, and Chairman, Bishop Katung Jonas before Justice Sharon Ishaya of the Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State.
The anti-graft agency in a statement issued Thursday said the duo were docked on a 23-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and money laundering to the tune of ₦178,885,000.
It said its investigations revealed that the defendants allegedly formed the cooperative society to fraudulently induce unsuspecting members of the public into investing substantial sums of money.
The funds were then laundered through multiple bank accounts and withdrawn using proxies. The proceeds were allegedly used to acquire properties in Jos and Kaduna.
However, both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba, informed the court of the EFCC’s readiness to proceed.
“In view of the defendants’ not guilty pleas, we are ready to open our case and bring in our witnesses. We already have a date fixed for tomorrow, my Lord,” he said.
However, defence counsels raised concerns over their availability.
Counsel to the second defendant, J.J. Achi told the court that he would not be available due to a personal emergency.
“My Lord, my brother is critically ill and was brought from Kaduna. He is to be moved into theatre, and my attention is urgently required,” he explained.
The first defendant’s counsel, C.I. Nwogbo, also expressed his inability to proceed, citing logistical constraints.
“I just recently joined the case and applied for the Certified True Copies of documents attached to the proof of evidence on April 2. I’ve not received them yet, and there are logistical issues with my client who does not reside in Jos,” he stated.
Justice Ishaya expressed concern over the delays and the impact on the prosecution’s efforts. “L
“The prosecution is coming all the way from Abuja. I do not appreciate a situation where counsel travels such a distance without making any progress,” she said.
She then asked the prosecution how many witnesses they intended to present in the course of the trial.
Buba responded: “We initially had 18 witnesses on our list, but due to the passage of time, some are now inaccessible and two are deceased. There may be a need to add new witnesses.”
After listening to all submissions, Justice Ishaya adjourned the case to July 22 and 23, 2025 for continuation of trial.