On Tuesday, 18 February 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the authenticity of medical reports presented by Tuoyo Omatsuli, former Executive Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Omatsuli is facing charges of conspiracy and money laundering totalling N3.6 billion.
The EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, expressed his frustration with the defendant’s repeated use of medical claims to delay the trial. “We were prepared with all our witnesses from Abuja and Port Harcourt as directed by the court,” Iheanacho stated. “However, just like the previous sitting, we received another last-minute medical excuse.” He further suggested the possibility of summoning the Chief Medical Director who signed the reports, highlighting the financial strain of transporting witnesses repeatedly.
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Defending Omatsuli, Prof. Abiodun A-Kannike, SAN, presented a medical report from the Delta State Hospitals Management Board, indicating that his client was undergoing treatment, with a scheduled surgery and necessary scans between 16 and 21 February 2025. Meanwhile, Norrsion Quakers, SAN, representing co-defendant Francis Momoh, expressed concerns over the prolonged delays affecting his client’s life and business. He urged the court to allow separate proceedings for the other defendants.
Justice Osiagor, while acknowledging the concerns of both parties, stopped short of issuing an arrest warrant. Instead, he ordered the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the medical claims. “If these claims are found to be false, an arrest warrant will be issued against the defendant,” the judge warned.
Omatsuli, along with Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited, and Building Associates Limited, is accused of conspiring to launder N3,645,000,000 between August 2014 and September 2015.
According to the EFCC, the funds were allegedly disguised as legitimate proceeds from contracts awarded by the NDDC, in violation of the Money Laundering Act.
The case has been adjourned to 19, 20, and 21 May 2025 for plea and definite hearing. With the court’s firm stance on verifying the medical claims, the next proceedings are expected to be key in determining the case’s direction.
