EFCC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Ex-NDDC Executive over Alleged N3.6bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying efforts to ensure the presence of Tuoyo Omatsuli, a former Executive Director on Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at his trial over an alleged N3.6 billion fraud.

The anti-corruption agency sought a warrant of arrest during the court proceedings at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, before Justice Daniel Osiagor.

Omatsuli, along with co-defendants Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited, and Building Associates Limited, faced charges related to conspiracy and money laundering totaling N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-five Million Naira). The initial charges were presented before retired Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.

The allegations involve the concealment of the illegal origin of funds and the procurement of others to utilize the proceeds for unlawful activities. While the defendants initially pleaded not guilty, the EFCC’s case involved calling 16 prosecution witnesses. Following the prosecution’s presentation, the defendants filed a no-case submission. In November 2020, Justice Saidu discharged Omatsuli, contending that there was insufficient reason for him to enter a defense.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the discharge, the EFCC pledged to appeal the decision. In April 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld the appeal, overturning the ruling of the trial court. However, the Appellate Court discharged Omatsuli on specific counts of the charge. The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Osiagor.

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During the recent court hearing, Omatsuli was conspicuously absent. His defense counsel informed the court that he had an appeal pending before the Supreme Court and was not aware of the hearing due to a lack of representation at the last proceedings. The prosecution argued that the appeal’s pendency did not preclude proceedings at the Federal High Court.

In response, Justice Osiagor ordered that Omatsuli be formally notified and scheduled the case for re-arraignment and trial on March 22, 2024. The EFCC is now seeking a warrant of arrest to ensure the former NDDC executive’s appearance in court. The legal saga underscores the ongoing efforts to address corruption within Nigeria’s public institutions.