The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the medical letters that have been delaying the trial of Tuoyo Omatsuli, the former Executive Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The EFCC disclosed this via their official handle X (formally Twitter) on February 18, 2025.
This directive came during a court session scheduled for Omatsuli’s arraignment on February 18, where his lawyers presented a medical certificate claiming he was unwell and unable to attend.
Frustration from the prosecution was evident, as lead prosecutor, Ekele Iheanacho, highlighted the significant travel expenses incurred in bringing witnesses from Abuja and Port Harcourt.
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He suggested that the chief medical director who signed the health letters should be summoned for clarification, and urged the court to consider issuing an arrest warrant if it was found that Omatsuli’s health claims were untrue.
ResponDING, Omatsuli’s lawyer, Prof. Abiodun Kannike, maintained that his client was still receiving treatment and was scheduled for critical medical tests.
The delays in the case have also affected co-defendant Francis Momoh, whose attorney, Norrsion Quakers, pointed out that the ongoing trial was significantly disrupting his client’s personal and professional life.
Although, Justice Osiagor chose not to issue an arrest warrant at this time, he did emphasize the need for an investigation into Omatsuli’s medical claims.
If evidence emerges proving the excuses were fraudulent, the court would reconsider the warrant.
Omatsuli, along with Momoh and two companies, is facing charges of conspiracy and money laundering, involving over N3.6 billion, linked to activities between August 2014 and September 2015.
The case is set to resume on May 19, 20, and 21, 2025, for plea and further hearing.
