Onamusi Onadeko Appeals Inconsistent Statements Conviction

• Former lawmaker Onamusi Onadeko appeals conviction for making inconsistent statements during ICPC investigation.
• Onadeko was acquitted on 10 out of 11 counts bordering on alleged corruption and diversion of public funds.
• The court convicted Onadeko on the 11th count, with an option of a N50,000 fine or nine months imprisonment.
• Onadeko's legal team is studying the full judgment and ratio decidendi on the conviction.

The case highlights the importance of scrutinizing evidence in ICPC investigations.

Onamusi Onadeko, a former lawmaker, has appealed his conviction on a charge of making inconsistent statements to investigators. The appeal comes after an FCT High Court in Abuja acquitted him on 10 out of 11 counts bordering on alleged corruption and diversion of public funds. The lone conviction was for making inconsistent statements during an ICPC investigation, with Justice Chizoba Oji sentencing Onadeko to nine months imprisonment or a N50,000 fine. Onadeko's legal team has filed an appeal against the conviction, stating that they are currently studying the full judgment and ratio decidendi on the conviction.

The case highlights the importance of scrutinizing evidence in ICPC investigations. The court's reliance on the prosecution witnesses' testimony, which stated that contracts were awarded in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, underscores the need for thorough investigation and evidence-based convictions. The ICPC had alleged that Onadeko used private companies to execute constituency projects involving procurement of ambulance vehicles, supply of hospital equipment, and construction of classrooms. However, the prosecution failed to establish these allegations, leading to the acquittal on 10 counts.

This development emphasizes the significance of reviewing evidence in ICPC investigations. Lawyers should examine the ratio decidendi and consider whether their clients' inconsistent statements may have been used to secure convictions. The case serves as a reminder that convictions can be overturned on appeal, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation and evidence-based prosecutions.

This development highlights the importance of scrutinizing evidence in ICPC investigations, as a conviction can be overturned on appeal. Lawyers should review the ratio decidendi and consider whether their clients' inconsistent statements may have been used to secure convictions.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]