Bi-Courtney Company, Mr. Olawale Babalakin has finally showed up in court today for a long-filed arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC]. Declared wanted by the EFCC yesterday for failing to honor an appointment for his preparatory arraignment billed for court today, Babalakin denied EFCC’s declaration of him ‘wanted’ as a figment and machination of the anti-graft agency.
The wanted businessman appeared in court flanked by his prayer warriors, some in mufti wears and others in celestial garments. Soon after the court began proceeding, his counsel began applying for bail, stating grounds of the defendant’s status and applying for his bail on the basis of self-recognition. Also, immediately, his hired prayer mongers commenced muttering prayer points for the granting of his freedom as he pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all twenty-one count charges filed against him. Presiding judge, Mr. Adeniyi Onigbanjo granted his bail on the ground of his self-recognition. However his international passport was seized from him. His counsel, Olawale Akoni, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, assured the court that his client will be available any time requested by the court. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused Mr. Babalakin of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering to the tune of N4.7billion. Babalakin was said to have laundered money on behalf of UK jailed former Governor of Delta State, James Onafefe Ibori. He also took money in a fraudulent deal to acquire a bombardier jet for the jailed former Delta State Governor.
SAHARA REPORTERS.
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