The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday acquitted Dr. Femi Thomas, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), of multiple money laundering charges involving $2.1 million, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Ayokunle Faji cleared Thomas of five out of the six counts brought against him, ruling that the EFCC failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7. However, the judge found him guilty on count five, which related to conducting a cash transaction exceeding the legal limit of N5 million.
In his ruling, Justice Faji ordered the EFCC to return funds previously seized from Thomas, stating that there was no legal justification for their continued detention. The release of the funds, however, is contingent upon Thomas paying a N10 million fine, imposed as punishment for the single count on which he was convicted.
Rather than imposing a custodial sentence, the judge opted for a fine, giving Thomas seven days from the date of the judgment to make the payment. Until the fine is paid, he is not permitted to leave the country.
The second defendant in the case, Kabiru Sidi, was convicted on the only charge against him—falsely claiming ownership of the money during the EFCC’s investigation. He was fined N100,000.
Thomas and Sidi were arraigned on June 28, 2017, on an amended seven-count charge that included allegations of conspiracy, unlawful enrichment, and making false statements, in connection with $2,198,900.
During the plea for leniency (allocutus), Thomas’ lead counsel, Mr. Collins Ogbonna, supported by Mr. Kunle Gbolahan, asked the court to consider his client’s clean record, professional accomplishments, and personal circumstances. Ogbonna highlighted Thomas’ role in training cardiologists and establishing the cardiology unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), as well as his current status as a retiree with a dependent child still in school.
He appealed for a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing Thomas’ contributions to healthcare and the country.
