The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Mr. Kenneth Kobani, and a Rivers politician, Mr. Samuel Okpoko, before Justice B. Bilikisu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N750 million.

Specifically, the defendants were docked for collecting the sum of N750m from the Garrison branch of a new generation bank in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on the eve of the 2015 general elections. The money is part of the infamous $115 million Diezani Alison-Madueke cash deployed to bribe several politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election. Kobani allegedly collected N50m out of the heist while Okposo allegedly collected the remaining N700m.

When the charges were read to them, they pleaded “not guilty”.

Prosecution counsel, C.A. Okoli told the court that he was ready for trial and prayed that the defendants be remanded in prison custody. However, the lead defence counsel, C.A. Okala, SAN, sued for the bail of the defendants.

Justice B. Bilikisu admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50m and a surety each in like sum. She adjourned the matter toJune 4, 2018for trial.