The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned two suspects, Akeem Adekunle and Kayode Olusola Ayodeji before the Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement on its official X handle on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the suspects were arraigned on an amended three-count charge bordering on the laundering of funds and conspiracy to launder N2.7 billion.

“That you, Akeem Adekunle, Kayode Olusola Ayodeji, Odunayo Rashiday Popoola (at large) and Afolabi Olushola Sunday a.k.a. ‘Asiwaju Something’ (at large), between 21st September 2023 and 4th October 2023, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: transferring property derived from illegal act to the tune of N2,737,784,800.00 from the unlawful activity of Afolabi Olushola Sunday, with the aim of disguising the illegal origin of same,” one of the counts said.

Another count accused Mr Adekunle, “sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, procured one Esther Titilayo to open an Access Bank account with the intent of promoting Afolabi Olushola Sunday a.k.a. ‘Asiwaju Something’ in carrying on of unlawful activity to wit: stealing.”

The EFCC stated that the defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against them, prompting the prosecution counsel, S. I. Suleiman, to ask for a trial date and remand the defendants in prison custody.

It also noted that the counsel to the first defendant, Grace Adenubi, in response, asked the court to stand down the matter so that she could file a bail application on behalf of her client, but the judge frowned at her request. 

Meanwhile, counsel to the second defendant, C.V. Nwagbara, who did not have a formal bail application before the court, prayed for a short date to enable her to make the filing.

The judge adjourned the case until May 6 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody.