A witness of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission on Friday told an Ikeja High Court how the Delta State Government issued a cheque in favour of justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.
Uchenna Okaranwolu, who was a relationship officer with a top Nigerian Bank, confirmed to the court that Delta State Government paid the sum of N24m to the salary account of the embattled judge.
Okaranwolu who was also the account officer of the judge told the court that justice Ofili-ajumogobia maintained a USD account with the bank and he further explained how he used to deposit cash or cheque on her behalf.
Okaranwolu further explained to the court how the sum of over $650,000 was paid into the judges’ account for the period of 7-years.
Ajumogobia was charged to court on a 30 count bordering on bribery and also enriching herself as a public officer, charges which she told the court she was not guilty of.
The judge was also accused of receiving a total of $793, 800 in several tranches from different sources between 2012 and 2015.
The judge was further accused of forging and giving false information to EFCC operatives by claiming to beon admission at a in Lagos which was found out to be false, an offence contrary to section 39 (2)a of the EFCC Establishment Act.
Ajumogobia is standing trial alongside a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Godwin Obla, who was accused of offering a N5 million bribe to the Judge. The anti graft agency also accused Ajumogobia of living above her means as a public officer.
The presiding judge, justice Hakeem Oshodi, however, adjourned the matter till April 28 for continuation of trial.
-Nigerian Tribune
