24th March, 2020
Ope Saraki, cousin to former senate president was charged today with money laundering at a Federal High Court in Ilorin.
The EFCC accuses Ope Saraki of collecting N11.8million from one Kunle Adimula, an employee of Kwara State Government.
The agency said the money was more than the limit allowed under the Money Laundering Act.
Saraki, docked before Justice Babagana Ashigar of the Federal High Court, was a former Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals.
The offence is punishable under section 16 of the Money Laundering Act.
Prosecuting counsel, Sesan Ola, asked the court to fix a date for trial to enable it call its witnesses.
Lead defence counsel, Dr. Joshua Olatoke, SAN, urged the Court to use its discretion to grant bail to Saraki pending the hearing and final determination of the case.
Ruling, Justice Ashigar granted bail to Saraki in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
He ordered that one of the sureties must reside in the jurisdiction of the Court.
He ordered Saraki to submit his travel documents to the Chief Registrar of the Court.
The Judge also ordered the EFCC to detain Saraki until he perfects his bail conditions.
Hearing will continue on 15 May.