The Federal Government has filed an appeal against a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lagos, which acquitted former National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Executive Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Thomas, on money laundering charges.
In a 28-page notice lodged with the Court of Appeal, the government outlined 11 grounds of appeal challenging Justice Olayinka Faji’s 24 July judgment.
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Thomas was cleared on five of six counts after the judge held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Although fined ₦10 million for breaching cash transaction limits, the court ordered the return of $2.2 million previously seized from him.
The EFCC insists the funds were proceeds of crime, citing contradictory evidence and unaccounted wealth. It is asking the appellate court to reverse the lower court’s decision and forfeit the funds to the government.
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