Court Reverses Conviction of Ex-Water Resources Minister Ochekpe
In a significant legal victory, the Court of Appeal sitting in Jos has set aside the 2022 conviction of former Minister of Water Resources, Dr. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, on charges of alleged money laundering.
The appellate court delivered its judgment on Wednesday, declaring the previous ruling by the Federal High Court, Jos, null and void. The judgement also affected two other defendants—Raymond Dabo, former acting PDP Chairman in Plateau State, and Evangelist Leo-Sunday Jitong.
“In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the appellate court nullified the 2022 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had convicted Dr. Ochekpe alongside Raymond Dabo, former acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, and Evangelist Leo-Sunday Jitong, for allegedly laundering N450 million.”
The initial conviction by the Federal High Court was based on accusations that the trio took possession of large sums of money without using any financial institution, allegedly breaching the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
“The trial court, presided over by Justice H.M. Kurya, had convicted the trio for taking possession of funds ‘without going through any financial institution,’ citing violations of Sections 1(a) and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.”
However, Justice P.O. Affem, delivering the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal, strongly disagreed with the interpretation and application of the law by the lower court.
“He noted glaring inconsistencies between the charges and the evidence presented, concluding that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.”
According to the appellate court, the trial court failed to adequately establish the elements necessary to secure a conviction under the money laundering law.
“As a result, the conviction was declared null and void.”
The judgment marks the end of a prolonged legal battle that began shortly after the accused were first arraigned for the alleged laundering of N450 million in 2017.
Reacting to the judgment, defence counsel Charles Ehimen expressed satisfaction, describing the ruling as a restoration of justice and integrity.
He stated, “The ruling not only exonerates Dr. Ochekpe and her co-defendants but restores their reputations after years of legal and public scrutiny.”
Observers have described the judgment as a milestone in reinforcing the principle of fair hearing and proper legal interpretation in Nigeria’s judicial system.
The trio is now cleared of all charges, following the appellate court’s directive to strike out the convictions.
