Please take me to Kuje prison, Adoke begs court

By Toby Prince

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, on Monday chose to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre instead of the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Adoke spoke through his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, on his arraignment at the Federal High Court, Abuja on fresh six-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The EFCC alleged that Adoke and co-defendant Aliyu Abubakar, in September 2013, made payments in naira and dollar which equivalent was about N900 million into Adoke’s accounts in violation of various provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Adoke made his preference known when Mr Ozekhome argued his bail application after their pleas were taken.

Ozekhome said his client was brought to court by the EFCC from the Federal Medical Centre near Jabi, Abuja, where he had been admitted for treatment.

“We have deposed to the affidavit about his health conditions. The prosecution themselves brought him to court from the Federal Medical Centre near Jabib in Abuja, this morning,” he said.

“We also plead that he be taken to the Kuje Correction Centre, a euphemism for Kuje prison pending when he meets his bail conditions to avoid the mental psychological strictures he goes through in the custody of the EFCC.

“My lord we pray that he be granted bail in liberal and affordable terms and conditions so that he can take care of himself…”