The State yesterday dropped the money laundering charges that had been slapped against a top human rights lawyer, ending a nine-month legal battle against him.
The dropping of the charges against Mr. Nicholas Opiyo, came days after Anti-Corruption judge, Lawrence Gidudu, gave the State a seven-day ultimatum to either conclude the investigations and commit him to the High Court for trial or have the case terminated for delayed prosecution.
Part of the withdrawal notice signed off by DPP Jane Frances Abodo informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to discontinue proceedings against Opiyo Nicholas charged with money laundering contrary to section 3 (c), 116, and 136 (1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act as amended.
To that effect, the presiding magistrate, Moses Nabende, discontinued the said charges against Mr Opiyo and freed him.
The magistrate further ordered the State to refund 15 million shillings which Mr Opiyo had deposited as one of the conditions for his release earlier this year. END