A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, a former aide to ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, of N3.5 billion fraud charges.
Makanjuola expressed relief and gratitude to God, saying, “To God be the glory, I have been vindicated.”
He praised the court’s decision, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that deemed the funds in question legitimate.
Makanjuola and co-defendant Kolawole Shittu were represented by senior advocates Paul Erokoro and Ojukwu.
The EFCC had alleged conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal payments, but the defendants pleaded not guilty and we’re granted bail.
The case was initially struck out in 2020 due to jurisdictional issues but was re-filed in 2021.
However, the EFCC re-filed charges in 2021, and the defendants were re-arraigned in May 2024.
They pleaded not guilty again, and their bail applications were granted.
Both Makanjuola and Shittu were cleared of all the charges.
