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Monday, February 10, 2025

CBN cash cartel: IGP Egbetokun files cybercrime suit against ‘coachbanter’

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The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Adun Adewale, popularly known as “Coachbanter,” sought to alter his plea after initially admitting guilt to cybercrime allegations filed by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Adewale was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on a two-count charge alleging the dissemination of false information aimed at inciting public unrest.

The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2024 by the prosecution counsel, A.A. Egwu, stemmed from a video posted on Adewale’s TikTok account (@brodabanter_backup_pag).

The video alleged: “Police IG Egbetokun busted for colluding with notorious cartel moving cash from CBN vault via Abuja, Lagos airport.”

The prosecution claimed the video was designed to disrupt public order, a violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Adewale also faced a second charge for allegedly spreading false information that the Inspector-General of Police was shielding members of a cartel smuggling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

During the hearing, Adewale initially pleaded guilty to the first charge. However, when responding to the second charge, he stated, “I pleaded guilty with reason.” When asked by the judge to elaborate, Adewale claimed he merely reposted the video from another source.

His counsel, O.A. Olaleye, requested time to confer with his client, leading Justice Nwite to temporarily adjourn the proceedings.

After consultations, Adewale’s lawyer argued that his client misunderstood the charges and requested that the plea be retaken. However, the prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, opposed the request, stating that Adewale had previously confirmed his understanding of the charges and was represented by legal counsel during his plea.

Okoye maintained that the law does not allow a defendant to retract a guilty plea under such circumstances.

Justice Nwite adjourned the case to December 30, 2024, to allow both parties to argue the legal position on the request to change the plea.

The case has drawn attention due to its potential implications for addressing cybercrime and the dissemination of false information in Nigeria.

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