- The Allegation: A news report claims Mrs. Katung is linked to money laundering in the UK.
- The Senator’s Defense: Senator Katung denies the claims, stating the report is based on a civil, not criminal, proceeding.
- Police Involvement: Kaduna State Police are monitoring the situation but have not launched a formal investigation.
- Legal Action: The Senator and his wife are prepared to sue over the defamatory report.
Money Laundering Scandal Rocks Nigerian Senator’s Family?
The Kaduna State Police Command has acknowledged monitoring a media report that suggests Senator Sunday Marshall Katung’s wife is embroiled in a money laundering case in the United Kingdom. The online news platform that broke the story on June 10, claimed Mrs. Abigail Katung, currently the Lord Mayor of Leeds, was involved in financial misdeeds connected to a known UK offender.
Senator Katung’s Office Denies Allegations, Calls Report ‘Misleading’
Senator Katung’s media office swiftly responded with a statement refuting the allegations. Midat Joseph, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the senator, labeled the report as “sensational” and “misleading.”
Joseph clarified that the UK judgment cited in the report was from a civil case, not a criminal one, and made no mention of money laundering. He quoted the UK judgment, which stated that the Judge shielded Mrs. Katung from having any knowledge of Mr. Hussain’s criminal activities. He emphasized that the senator and his wife have always acted lawfully and transparently.
Key Quote from the UK Judgment
“The Judge shielded Mrs Katung from having any knowledge of Mr. Hussain’s criminal activities. I therefore make it crystal clear that I do not find that she was cognisant of what Mr. Hussain was up to.”
The senator’s team insists the couple is ready to pursue legal action against what they see as a defamatory narrative. Did you know that defamation lawsuits can be quite complex, often requiring a high burden of proof to show the statements were false and caused harm?
Police Investigate Claims
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed they are aware of the report and are conducting a preliminary review. ASP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the Command is monitoring the situation and is in contact with relevant agencies, even though no formal complaint has been filed.
As it stands, Nigerian authorities have not initiated a formal criminal investigation, and the UK case is still under appeal. This means the story is far from over, and further developments are expected. Cases like this often involve international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, highlighting the interconnectedness of global finance.
What’s Next?
The coming days and weeks will be crucial as the story unfolds. Will Nigerian authorities launch a formal investigation? What will be the outcome of the UK appeal? One thing is certain: this story has captured the attention of the Nigerian public, and they will be watching closely as events unfold.
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