TransparencIT - Corruption Cases in Nigeria

TransparencIT

@TransparencITng

Scam

May 5, 2025

FRN vs Gbenga Makanjuola (Deputy Chief of Staff to Senate President) & 4 others

Gbenga Makanjuola
& 4 others

N3,500,000,000
Amount allegedly scammed

Case Summary
The accused persons were alleged to have conspired and accepted cash payments beyond the threshold of the Money Laundering Act to the tune of N3.5 billion and also did accept cash payment of the sum of $500,000.00 without going through a financial institution.

1,125
Day(s) case tried in court

Case Update
The trial judge granted the application of the defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court on the ground that the 11-count charge failed to state where the alleged offences were committed and the amendment sought by the prosecution was a ploy to cure the defect in the first charge. The court held that the defendants’ preliminary objections have merit and substance and therefore, struck out the charges against the defendants.

Hon. Justice B. O. Kuewunmi
Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - violated

Case Information

Gbenga Makanjuola & 4 others

Presiding Judge & Designated Court

Hon. Justice B. O. Kuewunmi, Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos

Nature and Number of Charges

11-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, accepting cash payment beyond threshold and money laundering.

Date of 1st Arraignment

Oct 31, 2018

Summary of Case

The accused persons were alleged to have conspired and accepted cash payments beyond the threshold of the Money Laundering Act to the tune of N3.5 billion and also did accept cash payment of the sum of $500,000.00 without going through a financial institution.

Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment

1. Gbenga Makanjuola (Deputy Chief of Staff to Senate President) – Not guilty

2. Robert Chidozie Mbonu (Former Managing Director, Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria) – At large

3. Kolawole Shittu (Cashier to Senate President) – Not guilty

4. Melrose General Services Ltd (Company) – Not guilty

5. Obiora Amobi (Operation Manager, Melrose General Services Limited) – Not guilty

Defence Counsel(s)

1. Paul Erokoro (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)

2. Omeoga Chukwu (Lawyer)

3. Kehinde Olawunmi (Lawyer)

Prosecuting Agency

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Prosecutor(s)

1. Iheanacho Ekene (Lawyer)

Status of Case

Decided

Decision

Discharged

Length of Trial

1,125 day(s)

ACJA/ACJL Compliance

Violated

Court Decision

The trial judge granted the application of the defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court on the ground that the 11-count charge failed to state where the alleged offences were committed and the amendment sought by the prosecution was a ploy to cure the defect in the first charge. The court held that the defendants’ preliminary objections have merit and substance and therefore, struck out the charges against the defendants.