Prosecution to release CCTV footage in Sh2bn 'fake cash' case

A Nairobi court has directed the prosecution to release a CCTV footage and Central Bank reports in the Sh2 billion "fake" cash case.

The exhibits were demanded by four suspects charged with possessing Sh2 billion in fake currency and a host of related fraud charges.

Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi also directed the prosecution and investigation officers to ensure the exhibits were well labeled.

Eric Otieno Adede, Mohamed Azaz alias Ahmed Share, Mary Wanjiru Mwangi alias Elizabeth Muthoni and Irene Wairimu Kimani alias Charity wanted the exhibits after pleading not guilty to the charges.

The four, appearing in court yesterday, at the same time wanted their ID cards and mobile phones held by the prosecution released. Adede said his ID was being held illegally because the prosecution did not indicate where or how they wanted to use it during the trial.

“There are photographs from crime scene, which are not marked, and we are having difficulties accessing them,” said Adede while demanding them to build up the defence case.

He submitted that they still needed to know the status of the authentification of the currency. The prosecution said the authenticity of the assorted cash was being handled at the High Court before Judge John Mativo.

For the IDs, the State lawyers promised to release Adede’s but retain the phones to be used as prosecution exhibits in related charges before other courts.

The State also said it would serve the defense with the CCTV footages and documents from Central Bank.

The four were arrested following the seizure of Sh2 billion in "fake" currency and "bogus" gold from the bank’s Queen’s Way branch in March.

Adede has since claimed at the High Court that the money was not fake and wants DCI ordered to return it for his safe keeping.