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Money laundering

Jun 14, 2025

FRN vs Abdullahi Babalele

Humans

Abdullahi Babalele

Money bag

$140,000.00
Amount allegedly laundered

Money bag

Case Summary
The Defendant, who is the son-in-law to Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and the presidential candidate in the 2019 election, was alleged to have persuaded one Bashir Mohammed to make a cash payment of the said sum, without going through any financial institution.

Calendar

495
Day(s) case tried in court

Gavel

Case Update
The court dismissed the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the ground of wrong jurisdiction. The trial judge held that the charge against the Defendant ought not to have been filed in Lagos when the alleged offence was said to have been committed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The judge relied on the Supreme Court’s decision in a case between the EFCC and Mohammed Dele Belgore on territorial jurisdiction.

Court house

Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke
Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - complied

Case Information
Abdullahi Babalele
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke, Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos
Nature and Number of Charges
2-count charge bordering on money laundering.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Aug 14, 2019
Summary of Case
The Defendant, who is the son-in-law to Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and the presidential candidate in the 2019 election, was alleged to have persuaded one Bashir Mohammed to make a cash payment of the said sum, without going through any financial institution.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Abdullahi Babalele – Not Guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. Mike Ozekhome (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Rotimi Oyedepo (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
Status of Case
Decided
Decision
Discharged
Length of Trial
495 day(s)
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Complied
Court Decision
The court dismissed the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the ground of wrong jurisdiction. The trial judge held that the charge against the Defendant ought not to have been filed in Lagos when the alleged offence was said to have been committed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The judge relied on the Supreme Court’s decision in a case between the EFCC and Mohammed Dele Belgore on territorial jurisdiction.