Category 6 (Carousel)

Saturday, 13 July 2013

Lamido’s son convicted over $50,000

A Federal High Court in Kano on Friday convicted the son of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Aminu, for false declaration of foreign currency on him while travelling abroad.

The judge, Fatu Riman, said Aminu was guilty by declaring $10,000 instead of $50,000 during a trip abroad.

He was, therefore, ordered to forfeit 25 per cent of the $40,000 he did not declare.

According to him, Aminu is guilty of false declaration of the total amount of money he was carrying.

Justice Riman rejected the claim by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the money was meant to be laundered.

The judge said the evidence before the court clearly showed that the money was not taken with criminal intent but for medical treatment of his daughter.

The judge also rejected the submission of Aminu’s counsel, Mr Offiong Offiong (SAN), that the case was meant to tarnish the name of Aminu’s father, the governor, who has a presidential ambition.

According to Riman, the court is a reputable one which cannot allow itself to be dragged into unnecessary politicking.

Speaking with pressmen after the judgment, Barrister Sa’id Ahmed Sa’id , said they were happy with the judgment, noting that the judgment would serve as a reference point for any further judgment on false declaration of currency.

Sa’id also commended the judge for his speedy trial of the case, saying that within just five months when the trial commenced, judgment was passed   

Aminu was arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 11, 2012 while on a medical trip to Cairo, Egypt with his ailing daughter.
Enhanced by Zemanta

0 comments:

Post a Comment