EFCC accuses defence of delaying money laundering trial in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused the defence in the alleged money laundering trial of Musa Saliu Adekunle of deliberately frustrating proceedings through repeated changes of legal counsel.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Maurine A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, defence counsel I.G. Udofia told the court he could not continue with the cross-examination of the EFCC’s third prosecution witness, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC (DSE) Mubarak Isah, because he was appearing in the matter for the first time and needed time to study the case.
Responding, EFCC counsel Joshua Abolarin argued that the defendant had changed lawyers three times, describing the development as a calculated attempt to stall the trial. He urged the court to ensure the case proceeded without further delays.
The defence also raised the issue of bail, but Justice Onyetenu ruled that the matter had already been decided and advised the defence to approach the Court of Appeal if dissatisfied with the earlier ruling. The case was subsequently adjourned until September 24, 2026.
Adekunle is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretence and money laundering. The EFCC alleged that he conspired with three others, currently at large, to commit the offences in February 2024.
In a separate matter before the same court, Justice Onyetenu granted the EFCC’s application to transfer another defendant, Victor Ekpong Thompson, to a correctional facility while standing trial on an eight-count charge involving conspiracy, advance fee fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation and stealing.
The court also ruled that the EFCC would no longer bear Thompson’s medical expenses while he receives treatment at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, directing that the prosecution would only provide security if the defence chose to keep him at the hospital. The case was adjourned to September 22, 24 and 29, 2026.
According to the EFCC, Thompson allegedly forged mining documents and used them to defraud American investors of $525,276 under the guise of investing in mineral resources and a deep seaport project. One of the charges alleges he fraudulently obtained $123,030 from several investors between January and June 2025 through false investment claims.