P&ID: Absence Of EFCC Counsel Stalls Ex-Lagos AG’s Trial

The trial of a former Lagos State attorney-general and commissioner for justice Olasupo Shasore (SAN) before the Federal High Court in Lagos over money laundering allegations has been stalled by the absence of the prosecution.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which is prosecuting the case had written a letter to the judge, seeking an adjournment of the matter on the ground that it had other contending matters in other courts and would not be available for the hearing.

The EFCC,  through one of its counsel, Bala Sanga,  urged the court to adjourn the commencement of the trial.

The defence team led by Wale Akoni (SAN) did not object to the request .

Following the development, The trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, adjourned the matter to February 21, 2023 for the commencement of the trial.

The EFCC had arraigned Shasore, who served as AG during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, before the court on a four-count charge.

The anti-graft agency alleged in the charge that the defendant induced a former Legal Director at the Petroleum Ministry, Olufolakemi Adetore, in accepting cash payment of the sum of $100,000 without going through a financial institution.

The EFCC claimed that the defendant made a cash payment of  $100,000 to Adelore through Auwalu Habu and Wole Aboderin.

The sums which the anti-graft agency maintained exceeded the amount permitted by Law.

The defendant, who was said to have committed the offences on or about November 18, 2014, pleaded not guilty.