The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday re-arraigned a former executive director of projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Tuoyo Omatsuli, over an alleged N3.6 billion money laundering scheme.

Omatsuli was arraigned alongside Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited and Building Associates Limited before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The four defendants face a 46-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering, contrary to various provisions of the money laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended).

If convicted, they face up to 14 years in prison.

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their re-arraignment followed the Court of Appeal’s reversal of their acquittal in 2020, when Justice Saliu Saidu upheld a no-case submission in their favour.

The appellate court ordered a continuation of the trial, prompting the EFCC to reopen its case.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, the prosecution, led by senior advocate Ekele Iheanacho, called its first witness, EFCC operative Usman Adamu.

He told the court that 16 witnesses had testified in the earlier trial and 34 exhibits were admitted into evidence.

Due to the retirement of the original trial judge and logistical difficulties with recalling witnesses, the prosecution asked the court to adopt the previous records and exhibits under Section 46 of the Evidence Act.

Justice Osiagor granted the request, admitting the exhibits and adopting the previous testimony of Adamu.

The defence team requested time to open their case.

The matter was adjourned to July 2, 3 and 4 for continuation of the trial.