EFCC/Judicial Reports

Diezani’s ally, Omokore acquitted of $1.6bn fraud

By Uchechi Ojo February 7, 2023312 views

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court Abuja has discharged and acquitted Jide Omokore, Chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited, of fraud allegations.

Omokore was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, and David Mbanefo on 15 counts on July 4, 2016.

They were alleged to have fraudulently diverted about $1.6bn alleged to be part of proceeds of sales of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.

Omokore, an ally of a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was initially arraigned in 2016.

He and the co-defendants were arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba.

Omokore and the others were alleged to have committed offences contrary to section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishment under section 1(3) of the same Act.

Uchechi Ojo

Uchechi Ojo, is a Lagos-born and based writer, newscaster and voice-over artist. A versatile and committed journalist with the yearning to make a difference in the industry. She writes balanced, informative and interesting stories. Uchechi has the ability to interact and listen with rapt attention, excellent time management and great communication skills while paying attention to detail. She is very approachable and a good team player. Instagram | LinkedIn