September 12, 2024

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Judiciary

Court transfers suit against Catholic priests, others to Lagos

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, transferred a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, and others to Lagos division of the court for adjudication.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, held that it was in the interest of justice to transfer the matter since majority of the parties reside in Lagos.

“I find that apart from the 4th defendant whose residence this court can take judicial notice as being in Abuja, the applicant, by the averments in the affidavit in support of this case, is in Enugu; the 1st respondent resides in Lagos, the 2nd respondent resides in Lagos, the 3rd respondent by the averments in his counter-affidavit, resides in Lagos, and the 5th respondent resides in Lagos.

“With this evidence, I am of the opinion that this matter ought to have been filed in the Lagos Division of this court.

“The expenditure imposed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th respondents to defend this case in Abuja is not such that ought to be ignored.

“Furthermore, as much as this suit is by affidavit evidence, the court must avoid a situation where in the consideration of the said affidavit evidence, it finds the need to invite parties to give oral evidence to resolve any area of conflict thereof.

“Parties must be within the relevant territorial jurisdiction to avoid miscarriage of justice being occasioned on any of them.

“It is in the interest of justice that this matter, even though commenced in this division, be heard in Lagos division.

“I therefore make an order pursuant to the provision of Section 22 (1) of the Federal High Court transferring this case to Lagos division of this court forthwith for adjudication.

“This is the order of this court,” the judge declared.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicant, Rev. Fr. Peter Ronald Scott, through his lawyer, Chibuzor Obiajunwa, had filed the suit to seek the protection of court against alleged threat of arrest and detention by the police.

In the originating motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/473/2022 and filed on April 8, 2022, Scott sued Most Rev. Martins, Rev. Fr. David Kipkrono, Mr Athoney Onwudiwe Ebo, Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

He sought a declaration that Martins, Kipkrono and Ebo (1st to 3rd respondents) are not entitled to use I-G or the police commissioner (4th or 5th respondent) “to arrest or detain him in the guise of a police investigation over the decision of Mr Ebo Lawrence Chimaobi (3rd respondent’s son) to pursue his vocation abroad and all circumstances connected thereto.

“An order of the court perpetually restraining the 1st to 3rd respondents from using the 4th and/or the 5th respondents, their agents, privies, associates, agents or any member of his congregation in the guise of a police investigation over the decision of Mr Ebo Lawrence Chimaobi to pursue his vocation abroad and all circumstances connected thereto. ”

Scott, in his affidavit, averred that he was duly authorised to reside in Nigeria and presently in charge of the Nigerian Priory of a Catholic Congregation known as the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), and was duly registered as an incorporated trusteeship.

According to him, SSPX was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Francois Marie Joseph Lefebvre and against the wishes of the mainstream Catholic Church in 1988, and he consecrated four bishops to continue his work.

“This resulted in his excommunication as well as the society from the mainstream Catholic Church, till date,” he said.

Scott, therefore, alleged that Kipkrono, the parish priest of Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos, and Lawrence’s father had accused him of kidnapping Lawrence, a 23-year old son, who completed his Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in 2020, and proceeded to carry out his National Service programme at the SSPX’s present headquarters in Nigeria.

He alleged that they had threatened to get him arrested because Lawrence had deeply desired to become an SSPX priest and in January 2022, he was accepted into the society’s seminary and also obtained a religious visa to Argentina.

But in a counter affidavit deposed to by Mr Ebo, who is Lawrence’s father, the 1st to 3rd respondents disagreed with Scott.

Ebo alleged that Lawrence was indoctrinated into Scott’s church during his first year in the university between the age of 15 and 16.

He averred that upon completion of his degree programme, Lawrence was posted to Abuja for his National Youth Service but was advised and threatened by Scott to work his posting to Enugu State so as to continue the teachings and indoctrination into Scott’s church.

Ebo said though he tried to get his son to work with a specialised company, he said Scott successfully convinced him (Lawrence) to work with the church.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Bobrisky
Judiciary

Naira abuse: Court jails Bobrisky 6 months without fine option

By Sandra Umeh
A Federal High Court in Lagos State, on Friday, sentenced convicted cross dresser, Idris Okuneye (alias Bobrisky), to six months in prison for abuse of the Naira.

The court did not give the cross dresser an option of fine.

Bobrisky was  prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court convicted him on April 5, following his guilty plea, but reserved sentence until April 9.

The court had ordered Okuneye to be kept in the custody of the EFCC pending  sentencing.

However, due to Federal Government’s declaration of April 9, April  10 and April 11 public holiday, the case could not proceed as scheduled.

On Friday, Justice Abimbola Awogboro sentenced the convict without an option of fine.

The judge held that  imprisonment would take effect from the date of the cross dresser’s arrest.

Okuneye  was  taken away by EFCC operatives immediately after his sentencing.

The EFCC had, on April 4, filed a six-count charge against Okuneye.

The charge bordered on Naira mutilation and money laundering.

He was consequently arraigned on April 5 and he pleaded guilty to the first four counts.

The court struck out the last two counts following an application by the EFCC.

On April 5, Mr Bolaji Temitope, a  prosecution witness and  Assistant Superintendent of  EFCC,  gave evidence before the court and narrated the circumstances surrounding prosecution of Okuneye.

After review of the facts of the case, EFCC counsel, Mr Suleiman Suleiman, prayed  the court to convict the cross dresser.

According to EFCC, Okuneye  committed the offences on March 24, at Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, Lagos State.

The commission stated that Okuneye tampered with the cumulative sum of N400,000 while dancing during a social event, by spraying same.

Okuneye also sprayed various tranches of money such as N20,000 and N50,000 at various events in 2022 and 2023, according to EFCC.

The offences contravene  Section 21(1) Central Bank Act of 2007 and Section 19 of Money Laundering Act of 2022. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Former CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele in court with his counsel
Judiciary

Alleged abuse of power: Court admits Emefiele to N50m bail

By Adenike Ayodele

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Friday admitted the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele to bail in the sum of N50 million.

Emefirle is charged with abuse of office and fraud to the tune of 4.5 billion dollars and N2.8 billion.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling, admitted Emefiele to bail with two sureties in like sum.

Oshodi held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and have three years tax payment with the Lagos State Government.

He also ordered that the sureties must show proper identification and must be registered in the Lagos State Bail Management System.

The judge also said that he was satisfied with the bail conditions of N1 million, earlier given to Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoil, who is standing another charge before Justice Olufunke Sule-Hamzat, before a Yaba High Court.

Oshodi, however, said that the bail documents must be transferred to special offences court and must also be registered in the Lagos State Bail Management System.

The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 8 arraigned Emefiele on a 23-count charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratifications and corrupt demand.

His charge also include receiving property fraudulently obtained and conferring corrupt advantage, while his co-defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on acceptance of gift by agents.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the time of filing this report, the counsel were making applications for accelerated hearing and trial. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Saniya Hamza

Judiciary

FG convenes Summit on Justice to address critical challenges in justice sector

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government is to convene national policy summit on Justice to address critical challenges in the justice sector April 24.

Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, made this known while addressing a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the summit is organised by the Ministry of Justice, alongside the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit is ‘Repositioning the Justice System: Constitutional, Statutory, and Operational Reforms for Access and Efficiency.

He noted that the summit will usher in a new era of positive change and progress in the justice sector, ensuring a fair, accessible, and efficient legal system that upholds the rule of law while safeguarding fundamental human rights.

“This crucial event seeks to address the significant challenges plaguing Nigeria’s justice sector and pave the way for much-needed reforms that will make justice more accessible to all Nigerians.

“Key stakeholders from across the country will engage in constructive discussions and develop practical solutions that prioritise the justice needs of the average Nigerian.

“It is unique opportunity to collectively tackle the pressing issues hindering the efficient, fair, and people-centered delivery of justice in our nation.

“They will share their invaluable knowledge and expertise and proffer constructive solutions for making the justice system more efficient and accessible to all Nigerians’’.

According to him, the summit will also deliberate on draft legislations proposed to address specific identified challenges within the justice sector, relating to the judicial appointments process, administration, funding and budgeting for the judiciary.

“It will eliminate delays and inefficiencies in justice delivery and evolve ways to reduce the amount of time for adjudication of cases, eliminate some of the associated technicalities, and reduce the number of cases getting to the Supreme Court.

“In this regard, we intend to look at a situation where many cases will terminate at the Court of Appeal to reduce the burden on our noble justices of the supreme court’’.

Fagbemi said that the summit’s goal is to review, validate, and adopt the revised National Policy on Justice 2024- 2028 to drive prison reforms, access to justice for the average Nigerian.

“It will also review electoral laws and procedures in handling election related cases, among several other reforms.

“The comprehensive policy document outlines a broad framework and initiatives in 17 thematic areas aimed at reforming the justice sector to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility to all Nigerians.

“It also ensures that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all’’.

He said the policy aims to address various challenges within the legal framework, seeking to promote social cohesion, bolster economic development, and foster good governance.

“These proposed laws will serve as a catalyst for collective action, provide a guiding framework for relevant governmental institutions to establish an effective, efficient, and people-centered justice system.

“We cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of the obstacles impeding the efficient delivery of justice for all Nigerians.

“This is an opportunity for us to unite our efforts, leverage our collective expertise, and chart a course toward a more just and equitable society. (NAN)
EPA/SH

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Judiciary

Embattled Kano anti-graft agency boss appeals against CCT ruling

By Taiye Agbaje

Mr Muhuyi Magaji, the Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), who was suspended by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), on Friday, appealed against the ruling.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, had, on Thursday in Abuja, ordered Magaji’s suspension following allegations of misconduct preferred against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Delivering the ruling, Justice Umar, who dismissed Magaji’s motion, held that the tribunal had the competence and jurisdiction to hear the case.

He directed Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to appoint the most appropriate officer to take over as acting chairman of the commission, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

He held that Magaji could not continue to discharge the duties and responsibilities of his office, while facing trial, to avoid any interference with the case.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Magaji, through his counsel, Mr Adeola Adedipe, SAN, approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

In the notice of appeal dated and filed April 5, by Adedipe, the senior lawyer gave five grounds why the appeal should be allowed and the CCT’s ruling be set aside by the appellate court.

He argued that the CCT erred in law, when it denied his client a right to fair trial, fair hearing and right to be presumed innocent, by making an order directing him to step aside as the chairman of PCACC, thereby determining his guilt, at an interlocutory stage.

He described the ruling as “a miscarriage of justice.”

He also argued that the tribunal erred in law, when without the requisite jurisdiction, it granted the reliefs sought by CCB, giving specific orders to Gov. Yusuf and SSG, “knowing fully well that they are not parties to the present charge as constituted; it thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice.”

He further said that the tribunal erred in law when it adjudged Magaji as capable of interfering with CCB’s witnesses in PCACC, even though no material evidence was put forward to support such a speculative claim.

The lawyer argued that the tribunal erred in law when it acted without jurisdiction and denied the embattled PCACC boss of a right to fair trial by making far-reaching findings which were speculative and prejudicial in nature.

Moreover, Adedipe submitted that CCT erred in law, acted without jurisdiction and denied Magaji a right to fair hearing, when suo motu, it raised and determined issues of purported contradictions his counter affidavit, and further insisted he conceded to the speculative facts in CCB’s further and better affidavit.

Adedipe, in a motion on notice with charge number: CCT/KN/01/2023 dated and filed on April 5 before the tribunal, also sought an order for stay of execution of the order delivered on April 4 pending the determination of the appeal lodged at the Appeal Court.

Besides, he also sought an order of injunction restraining the CCB from executing, implementing the orders and decisions made by the tribunal, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

NAN reports that the CCB had, on Nov. 16, 2023, arraigned Magaji before the CCT on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conflict of interest, false declaration of assets, among others.

Magaji, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts and was admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties.

But Magaji had, in a motion filed by Adedipe, challenged the competence of the CCB to prosecute him.

Adedipe, who gave two prayers, predicated the argument on six grounds.

The senior lawyer argued that a High Court of Kano State presided over by Justice Farouk Adamu had, on Aug. 28, 2023, restrained the CCB from interfering in the affairs or taking any step in connection with the functions, duties and affairs of his client until the matter is dispensed with.

He restated that in the Kano matter, CCB was the 2nd defendant and that the court directed parties to maintain status.

He said the prosecution undermined the order by preferring the instant charge against Magaji.

He argued that filing the charge against Magaji in the face of Exhibit B presented before the tribunal was a recourse to self help.

He, then, prayed the panel to strike out all the processes filed by the CCB, including the oral submission, for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Paragraph 13(2) of the CCT Practice Direction 2017 which gave three days for a party to respond to any process served on them.

Adedipe stated that the prosecution was served with their motion for more than 30 days before they responded.

He urged the tribunal to stop the CCB from proceeding with the charge.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
TOA/SH

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Judiciary

Lawyers back virtual hearing in Lagos, seek fee reduction

 

By Adenike Ayodele

Some lawyers have expressed optimism that the virtual hearing method introduced by the Lagos State judiciary will speed up dispensation of justice in the state.

They disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

They spoke against the backdrop of the N30,000 virtual hearing fee per session announced on March 28 by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba.

Mr Malachy Ugwummadu, a former National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, described it as gratifying to find a way around adopting technology to deal with some clauses affecting the dispensation of justice in the state.

Ugwummadu said Alogba had the constitutional power to make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the High Court of Lagos in accordance with Section 274 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended).

“The legality, constitutionality and validity of the Chief Judge to make regulations were derived from the constitutional provisions which allowed him to announce the virtual fee.

He said there was very little space for escape in relation to adopting technology and modern communication infrastructure as it further advanced the hierarchy of technological revolution, attending the process and procedure in court.

Ugwummadu, however, described the introduction of the fee as a two-way thing, saying that virtual hearing was more recognised in Lagos State.

According to him, there are no escape routes from adopting technology in judicial practice, as it helps in the enhancement of access to justice.

”For me, it is a two-way traffic, on one hand, it is gratifying that we have found a way around adopting technology to deal with some of the clause that we have had in past procedures.

“For instance, in those cases in which I had to bring these applications, I have some witnesses who have relocated to London but must they come back to Nigeria just because I intend to lead them in evidence for a maximum of 40 minutes?

“The answer is no, so we got the application. It was granted and the challenge was handled.

Secondly, where it becomes impracticable to have these witnesses to testify physically, the beauty of what is now available is that you can have the person virtually attended to from the comfort of wherever he is and it is about balancing at the end of the day,” he said.

Ugwummadu, however, urged the chief judge to take into cognizance human rights lawyers who took up pro bono cases.

“My argument is on both sides. On the first side, we are great, boasting to enjoy the beauty of technology and on the other hand is how does it poses a limitation to access to justice.

“I think that my lord, the Chief Judge, is able to factor into decision cases that we human rights activists handle pro bono.

“We pay for filing, service fee and the likes for pro bono cases and in addition to the virtual fee, I think it is a huge sum but if we take all of these into consideration, we will be able to strike the right balance,” he said.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Ige Asemudara, also applauded the state judiciary for coming to terms with the need for virtual hearing of cases for the sake of speed and to proper management of manpower.

Asemudara, the founder of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria, added that virtual proceedings would save cost for litigants.

According to him, virtual proceedings were basically introduced for speed and time management.

“Virtual proceeding was introduced because we needed to manage speed, time and reduce cost.

“It is a good thing that the Lagos State Judiciary has taken a step further.

“However, I am of the view that N30,000 is on a high side, though we are not forced to apply for it.

“The honourable chief judge should please look into it as there is a need to allow access to justice for both the rich, middle class and the poor.

“We should not look at it from the angle of counsel but from the angle of litigants who may not have the financial capacity to transport themselves to court to and fro,” he said.

Another Lagos lawyer, Mr Abdul Wahab, said that an equitable amount of money should be fixed for virtual hearing.

Wahab said that virtual hearing had made it easy for elderly people who could not afford the time and energy to give their evidence in the comfort of their homes.

He, however, said that the price should be reduced to boost accessibility.

NAN also reports an Information Technology (IT) firm, Global T & T New Solutions Ltd., which partnered the Lagos State judiciary on virtual court proceedings, said that the new development was geared towards leveraging on virtual /remote trial to enhance access to justice.

The remote court payments go to the judiciary purse but managed by Global T&T New Solutions.

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Binance Holdings Limited executive, Tigran Gambaryan in a black t-shirt in court
General News , Judiciary

Arraignment of Binance executives by FIRS suffers setback over non-service of charge

By Taiye Agbaje

The arraignment of Binance Holdings Limited and two of its executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, could not proceed on Thursday due to inability of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to effect service of the charge on the defendants’.

When the matter was called for the defendants to take their plea before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court, Abuja, only Gambaryan was represented by a lawyer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observes that neither the company nor Anjarwalla, who recently escaped from lawful custody, was represented by counsel.

However, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Chukwuka Ikwuazo, SAN, told the court that his client had not been served with the charge, hence, his arraignment cannot proceed.

FIRS lawyer, Moses Ideho, though acknowledged that the agency had not served Gambaryan’s with the charge, he said all efforts to do so proved abortive because the defendant could not be reached at the EFCC’s detention.

Ideho then prayed the court to serve Gambaryan in the open court and the judge directed that the charge be served on him in the dock.

The lawyer, therefore, sought a stand-down of the matter or an adjournment to enable Gambaryan consult with his lawyer.

Ikwuazo did not object to an oral application for adjournment and the matter was adjourned until April 19 for him to take his plea.

NAN had on March 28, reported that the FIRS will on April 4 arraign Binance Holdings Limited executives, Gambaryan and fleeing Anjarwalla, on allegations bordering on tax evasion.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, the three defendants will equally be arraigned before Justice Nwite on four counts.

NAN reports that the defendants are being charge on a four-count charge bordering on alleged tax evasion.

In the charge dated filed on March 22 by the FIRS, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offence on or about Feb. 1.

Count one alleged that while involved in carrying and offering services to subscribers on their platform, known as Binance, failed to register with the FIRS, for the purpose of paying all relevant taxes administered by the service.

The offences are said to be punishable under Sections 8 and 29 of the VAT Act of 1993 (as Amended), Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act, 2007 (as amended) and under provisions of Section 94 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended) respectively. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Former AGF Mohammed Adoke
Judiciary

Alleged Malabu Oil scam: Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, others

By Edith Nwapi

Justice Abubakar Kutigi of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday discharged former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, and six others.

They were charged with legations of committing infractions relating to the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, otherwise known as Malabu Oil scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), dragged Adoke and other defendants before the court on an amended 40-count charge bordering on disobeying direction of the law, offering and receiving gratification, conspiracy and forgery, among others.

Adoke, who served as AGF and Minister of Justice under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was prosecuted by EFCC in the suit, marked FCT/HC/CR/151/2020.

Others are Aliyu Abubakar; Rasky Gbinigie; Malabu Oil and Gas Limited; Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited; Shell Nigeria Extra Deep Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited.

Ruling on the no-case submission filed by the defendants, Justice Kutigi held that any trial processes are evidence driven but in the instance case, the prosecution failed to produce certain documents or call some witnesses to prove its case.

He further held that the prosecution has failed to prove the essential elements of the offences the defendants were charged with before the court.

According to him, though the defendants were constitutionally presumed to be innocent, establishing prima facie case against them by the prosecution had to produce sufficient evidence to warrant the court to call on them to enter their defence.

Kutigi held that in the current case, the prosecution failed to establish any prima facie case against the defendants.

He cited the situation whereby about 3 counts involved forgery, yet the prosecution failed to tender relevant documents as exhibits.

The judge further held that a charge must not be filed for the purpose of doing so, submitting that frivolous charge does damage to the judicial system.

He commended the prosecution counsel for accepting in his final written address that no case has been made by the prosecution against the defendants.

Kutigi, however, lamented that it took the prosecution four years before realising it.

”The defendants ought not to have been charged in the first instance.

“This, stemmed from the fact that the prosecution failed to produce before the court the minimum evidence to enable the court to order the defendants to enter their defence,” he said.

He held, that to allow the case to continue, considering the totality of evidence brought before the court by the prosecution is likened to inflicting undue hardship and injustice on the defendants.

He, therefore, discharged all the defendants of the charge preferred against them, which they have pleaded not guilty to.

He held further that the consequence to such discharge is an acquittal and a dismissal of the charge against them on merit.

“On the final analysis, my firm decision is that the evidence adduced by the prosecution on record is not sufficient to justify the continuation of this trial.

“In other words, the prosecution has failed to tender required minimum evidence to establish the essential elements of all the counts of the offences that they (defendants) have been charged with respectively.

“For this reason, I hereby preclude them from entering upon their defence and accordingly, I hereby discharge the defendants of the entirety of the charge preferred against them,” Justice Kutigi ruled.

Reacting to the court’s ruling while speaking with journalists, Adoke expressed gratitude to God that it was all over and he could now get his life back.

While saying that he has forgiven those behind his travails, the senior advocate said he would continue to support the current government in power as a patriot.

Adoke said: “I am grateful to God and excited that it is all over. I am excited that I can get my ife back and move on with my practice. I have forgiven all those that are behind my travails; I bear no grudges.

“As a patriot, I will continue to wish my country (Nigeria) well and I will do everything to support the government of the day and any government that is in power. We need to get it right for this country.

“I have no regret for all I done while in office and I will not regret going forward. And I am grateful that some Nigerians appreciate the fact that while in office, I gave my best.

“I hope that the admonition of the court will be seriously adhered to. I am gratify by the fact that the current chairman of EFCC is a lawyer.

”I hope he will set aside emotions and sentiments and allow the rule of law to prevail in all his dealings and ensure that the letters and spirit of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which I have the singular honour and privilege of anchoring while in office, has a place of play,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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