$2.29m scam: EFCC accuses Ohakim’s son of intimidating witness

A rowdy court session yesterday stalled the trial of former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The development flowed from an allegation by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo to the effect that Ohakim’s son  threatened the life of one of his witnesses.

Ohakim, who was  governor between 2007 and 2011 is facing three-count charge of money laundering arising from his alleged purchase of the house 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street,  Plot No 1098, Cadastral Zone A04 in  Asokoro District, Abuja with cash payment of dollar equivalent of N270 million in November 2008.

He was also accused of failing to declare the property as part of his assets when asked by the EFCC to do so.

The prosecution said the offences bordering on cash payment of N270million violated section 15(1)(d) and section 14(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.

However, when the case came up yesterday, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo said the EFCC witness, Mr. Abu Sule, who had testified before the court on how he allegedly helped Ohakim to illegally acquire the huge edifice at Asokoro in Abuja, called him at about 9:00pm on Monday and informed him about Ohakim’s second son, Emeka Ohakim, who came to the witness’ office at Asokoro and made enquiries about his (Sule) residential address.

In his reaction, Okakim’s legal team led by Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN) vehemently opposed the allegation raised by Keyamo.

Kalu said: “We want to register our approach to an issue that should have been settled somewhere. I have no doubt that this allegation was meant for the purpose of destabilising the defence. When the court stood down he had the opportunity to discuss the issue with either the counsel or the father of the son, but he didn’t raise any caution.

“In African tradition, when a young boy misconducts himself, the attention of his parents should be drawn to it.

“We find this issue very disturbing. It is on record that the PW2 testified on November 2, 2015 and only yesterday, the young man would go and find out the residence of the witness.

“Since Keyamo refused to give the defence opportunity to investigate the matter, we urge the court to dismiss this story,” Kalu said.

THE SUN