Trial of car dealer, 606 stalled due to absence of witness

Babafemi, alongside his companies, 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, are been tried before Justice Rilwan Aikawa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a five count-charge of transferring funds which were obtained under false pretence to his principals.

Babafemi’s arrest and prosecution was sequel to an intelligence report released by the United States of America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

EFCC alleged that the defendant had used Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and other banks, to carry out the illicit act. The commission listed the bank in its prove-of-evidence before the court.

EFCC in the charge marked FHC/L/374c/19, also cclaimed 606 and his companies were alleged to have between 2013 and 2018 transferred the sum of N37.6 million to one  Omojadesola Shittu Allison.

They were further alleged to have between 2015 and 2018 transferred the sum of N93 million to one Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi and the sum of N1.5 million to one Abiola Kayode Ayorinde (a.k.a ABK).

Babafemi and his companies between 2015 and 2018 transferred the sum of N25 million and N50 million to the duo of Bartholomew Oluchukwu Ezeudoko and Amobi Uchenna E.

The offences according to the prosecutor, Mr. Anzelem Ozioko, the EFCC’s Head of Legal Department, are contrary to 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011(As Amended) and Punishable under section 15(3) of the Act.

The prosecutor had on November 1, 2019, during the arraignment of the defendant told the court that during investigation, it was revealed that the defendant was working in concert with the likes of RIdwan Momodu Allison (aka Osama),  Omojadesola Shittu Allison, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi, Abiola Kayode Ayorinde (aka ABK), Batholomew Oluchukwu and Amobi Uchenna .E. whose names featured prominently in the FBI investigation tagged operation wire wire.

The defendant and his companies have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At the resumed trial of the defendant today, EFCC counsel, Ayanfe Olufemi, asked the court for short adjournment, due to non availability of his witness, whom he said was coming from Sokoto State.

Ayanfe also asked the court to vacate Thursday date, earlier fixed for continuation of trial of the defendant.

Responding, Babafemi’s counsel, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) while conceding to the adjournment sought by the prosecutor, however urged the court to let the prosecutor make an undertaken that his witness will be in court at the next adjourned date.

At the agreement of the parties, Justice Aikawa, adjourned the matter till Mar. 12, 2020.