Former minister, SAN arraigned for money laundering

Former national planning minister Abubakar Suleiman and a Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Muhammed Dele Belgore, appeared in court on Wednesday on allegations they laundered some N470 million. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Belgore and Suleiman in March last year conspired and directly took  possession of N450 million, which they reasonably knew […]

Former national planning minister Abubakar Suleiman and a Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Muhammed Dele Belgore, appeared in court on Wednesday on allegations they laundered some N470 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Belgore and Suleiman in March last year conspired and directly took  possession of N450 million, which they reasonably knew to be proceeds of crimes.

They are also alleged to have transferred N50m to one Sheriff Shagaya without going through financial institutions.

Both face five-count charges before Justice Muhammed Aikawa, but have pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Belgore has practised law since 1985 and made SAN in 2001.

A former minister in 2014, Suleiman, currently lecturing at University of Abuja, has been in academia for over 20 years.

The court granted bail on their self recognition, but their trial continues February 23.