Court Rejects EFCC Plea To Order Diezani’s Arrest
LAGOS OCTOBER 28TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The Federal High Court, Abuja has rejected a plea by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue a warrant of arrest against a former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu on Wednesday held that an affidavit with evidence in support to proof that the earlier court summon granted the agency had failed in the extradition of Diezani must be filed by the commission before another request could be made.
The judge noted that the EFCC had informed the court that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice hinted that the arrest warrant was needed to further give the international police (INTERPOL) the impetus to bring the defendant to Nigeria to answer to charges against her.
She said: “It is my view that the summon should have assisted in the extradition of the defendant by the Office of the AGF.
“Today, the defendant is not in court and no reason was given. I am being informed that the defendant is believed to be in the United Kingdom (UK).
“The learner counsel also informed the court that the extradition process has failed as a result of the absence of the warrant of arrest.
“But if that is the case, learner counsel shall file an affidavit to that effect supported by evidence from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
“I hereby give you time to put your house in order.”
Justice Ojukwu adjourned the matter until December 3 for report and arraignment of the defendant.
The court had on July 24 ordered the former minister to appear before it and answer to the money laundering charge filed against her by the EFCC.
The EFCC argued Diezani had fled the country.
Short URL: https://newsrangers.com/?p=58907
Posted by News Rangers
on Oct 28 2020. Filed under National.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
