FG To File Fresh Charges Against Raymond Dokpesi

The Chairman of DAAR Communication, Raymond Dokpesi, might be in a deeper trouble than anticipated as the counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacobs, has hinted that fresh charges will be filed against the accused.

 

Raymond Dokpesi accompanied by official of the EFCC and mobile police officer at a federal high court in Abuja

Jacobs, who made the revelation a federal high court in Abuja, on Thursday, December 10, during the hearing of the bail application sought by Dokpesi, said the federal government is also probing the alleged N8.4 billion which the accused allegedly received for airing the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria in 2012, The Cable reports.

Dokpesi, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was arraigned on Wednesday, December 9, is standing trial for a six count charge of money laundering and other fraud related crime.

The counsel to the FG explained to the court that though the accused alleged that FIFA granted his company the airing right, the federal government was not aware of the contract entered.

“Here is a man, who in 2012, collected over N8 billion for the contract for airing of the Under-17 World Cup organised by FIFA.

“Nigeria was not part of the contract agreement with FIFA; yet, this applicant collected the huge sum from the treasury of this country.

“Again, let me say here that Nigeria is bleeding and it is the duty of everybody, including judges in court, to ensure that we fight and put an end to corrupt tendencies in this country,” Jacobs said.

Responding to the argument of the prosecution counsel, the defendant’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), criticized the argument of Jacobs. He prayed the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition.

Dokpesi’s lawyer assured the court that his client will not jump bail if granted, noting that his relatives and family members live here in Nigeria, where he (Dokpesi), a PDP stalwart also has businesses.

Ozekhome further stated that the DAAR communication chairman was also due to travel abroad for his medical check-up.

Responding to the prayer of the defense counsel, the judge, Gabriel Kolawole, in his ruling ordered that Dokpesi should remain in detention till Monday.

The former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki who was arrested by the EFCC over the misappropriation of $2.1 billion meant for arms procurement to fight Boko Haram terrorist has confessed and dragged along some top political figures. The DAAR communication chairman is on trial because of his involvement in the disbursement of the said money.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may soon summon former finance minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for questioning over allegations that she is in the know of how the $2 billion meant for acquisition of arms meant to battle dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram was spent.

Also, a letter written by the former minister to the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan to transfer a huge amount of money from the loot recovered from late General Sani Abacha to the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki was recently made public.