Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim, is not finding it easy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. At the Federal High Court in Abuja today, Ohakim, battling to extricate himself from a three-count charge bordering on money laundering, was accused of paying N270 million cash for a property that caught his fancy!
The said property, situated on Plot No. 1098, Cadasral Zone, A04 Asokoro, Abuja, equally known as No. 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street, Asokoro, Abuja, was allegedly bought from one Abu Sule, owner of Tweeenex Consciate H.D Limited.
Ohakim, according to Mr. Dauda, a senior detective with EFCC who interrogated him, had initially denied ownership of the property until he was confronted with serious evidence. He had claimed he rented the place, before later recanting. Especially after the former owner opened up upon being quizzed by EFCC.
The ex-Governor who served Imo people between 2007 and 2011, it would be recalled, was first arraigned on July 8, 2015 by the anti-graft agency and granted bail on July 9. Appearing in court again today, Justice Adeniyi Ademola adjourned the matter to November 12 and 13 for further hearing and cross examination. No-nonsense lawyer, Festus Keyamo, is the Prosecution Counsel.
Ohakim allegedly paid for the now palaver-ridden property in Dollars – $2.2 million, an equivalent of N270 million.