Ex-FCT minister Akinjide holds plea bargain talks with EFCC

A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jumoke Akinjide, told the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday she was holding plea bargain talks with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Akinjide is standing trial alongside a former Senator from Oyo Central, Ayo Adeseun, and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Mrs. Olanrewaju Otiti, for laundering N650 million.

EFCC said they allegedly received the money former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Trial was billed to resume on Tuesday, with EFCC set to call its witness, but Akinjide’s lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), said the N650million had been returned to the Federal Government as part of the plea bargain.

He said: “My lord, the charge before this court is essentially in relation to the PDP campaign funds for the 2015 elections in Oyo.

“Before trial commenced, the defendants who were chieftains of the PDP in Oyo at the time, acting on the collective decision of the party, decided to refund the monies mentioned in the charge.

“In the light of the above, before the trial commences full-blown, we are imploring the court to allow parties to explore possible amicable settlement.

“I have had a talk with the lead counsel for the prosecution, and so, going forward, we think it wise not to subject this matter to further adjudication, so as not to waste the time and resources of the court.

“In that light, I have suggested that all counsel meet, so as to look at a way forward on this charge, especially considering the fact that the monies complained of, has already been refunded.

“My application, therefore, is that this court adjourns further hearing, pending the outcome of discussion by counsel.”

Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed that the money had been returned, adding that the case was not only about the money but the fact that the defendants allegedly dealt “with proceeds of unlawful activity.”

He added that the N650 million was recovered from Akinjide and not from chieftains or principal members of the PDP.