Former Kwara State Finance Commissioner, Hon. Ademola Banu, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disputing allegations and seeking to revoke a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
Banu filed an application/motion at the Federal High Court in Ilorin to challenge the warrant, arguing that the EFCC’s claims were false and misleading. He denied authorizing the payment of N411 million to a travel agency for a chartered flight for ex-Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The EFCC had filed charges against Banu and Ahmed for alleged money laundering, alleging that Banu fled to the UK upon learning of Ahmed’s detention. This led to the court issuing a bench warrant for Banu’s arrest.However, Banu refuted these claims, presenting evidence that he had been in the United States, not the UK, during the stated period.
He also contested the allegation of jumping bail, stating that there were no new investigations or invitations by the EFCC after his previous acquittal.In response, the EFCC countered Banu’s arguments, maintaining the validity of the bench warrant and accusing him of authorizing the disputed payment from a government loan.
Banu provided documentation to support his defense, including a memo from the Government House showing approval by the former governor for the payment to the travel agency. He also called out some discrepancies in the EFCC’s justification for withdrawing previous charges against him.The case is set to continue, with the hearing for Banu’s motion to revoke the bench warrant pending. Ruling on the substantive case, Justice Evelyn Anyadike adjourned the case until April 29 and 30, 2024.
