Fani-Kayode: Court to rule Feb 12

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday fixed February 10, this year, to rule on the competence of a criminal charge against Femi Fani-Kayode, who is standing trial for money laundering.
Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister, is standing trial on an amended 47-count charge bordering on the offence.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia said she would deliver her ruling on a subsequent date, because counsels in the suit had filed their written submissions out of time.
At the last adjourned date on January 27, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Festus Keyamo informed the court of an amended charge, containing 40 counts, and applied that the plea of the accused be taken.
But counsel to the accused Mr Ifedayo Adedipe raised an objection, arguing that the accused could not plead to charge since it was invalid.
In his response, Keyamo argued that the charges bordered on money laundering in which monies involved had no source, as opposed to conversion or stealing, where there was a particular source.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia had then ruled that both parties were at liberty to either file written addresses, or address the court orally on the issue.
She directed that the addresses should be filed two days from January 27.
Fani-Kayode was re-arraigned on an amended 47-count charge.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail.