Unic Press UK: Sylvester Ngwuta, Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC) was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, the 21st November 2016, over allegations of corruption, fraud, age falsification, money laundering and destruction of evidence.
Judge Ngwuta was one of the judges’ who were arrested/detained after a sting operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) on 8th and 9th October 2016.
Summary on why Ngwuta was charged to court
- Holding the sum of thirty-five million, three hundred and fifty-eight thousand naira (NGN35,358,000.00) contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended).
- Retaining the sum of three hundred and nineteen thousand five hundred and ninety-six United States of America ($319,596.00) dollars and twenty five thousand nine hundred and fifteen pounds (£25,915.00), which sum forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and contrary the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended)
- Being in possession of four passports [two valid diplomatic passports and two standard Nigerian passports] on 8th October 2016, contrary to the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015.
- Falsification of age.
Judge Ngwuta has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Ngwuta’s legal counsel, Kanu Agabi SAN has prayed the court to grant his client bail on self recognizance, citing Section 162, 158 and 32 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Section 36 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Agabi submitted that under the court has power to grant his bail application given Section 118(2) of the ACJA and Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution.
The prosecution counsel, Charles Adeogun-Phillips raised concerns over the bail application, insisting that the defendant, Ngwuta had the tendency to influence witnesses and interfere with documents that are crucial to the case.
The trial judge, John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, granted bail in the sum N100,000,000.00.
The matter was adjourned until the 7th and 8th December 2016.
