High Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Evidence On Emefiele

High Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof evidence on Emefiele. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the alleged procurement fraud trial brought against him.

Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele to object to the action of the EFCC, Justice Muazu held that the Commission had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

The judge, who noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC would amount to denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.

Justice Muazu further added that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.

Justice Muazu pointed out that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.

Emefiele

The judge held that the position of the law is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.

The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.

Justice Muaza said that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.

Ogun Farmer Arrested For Stealing Pineapples

Ogun farmer arrested for stealing pineapples. Police in Ogun State have arrested a 53-year-old farmer, Oloyede David, for allegedly stealing three bags of pineapples worth N90,000 in Orile-Ilugun, Odeda Local Government Area.

The suspect was caught harvesting the fruits from a plantation owned by one Ola Omotayo.

Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, stating that officers from the Orile-Ilugun outstation apprehended David around 11:58 a.m. on Tuesday after another farmer spotted him and alerted others.

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“The suspect was caught with three bags of pineapples, valued at approximately N90,000. The farm owner arrived at the scene and confirmed the theft,” Odutola said.

Omotayo further claimed that pineapples worth N650,000 and a submersible pumping machine valued at N180,000 had previously been stolen from her farm.

David has been taken into custody, and the case has been transferred to the Divisional Crime Branch for further investigation.

State Of Emergency In Rivers Sparks Tension As Lawyers, Opposition React

State of emergency in Rivers sparks tension as lawyers, opposition react. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has heightened tensions, with opposition figures and legal experts weighing in on the controversial move.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator.

The decision follows prolonged political unrest, stemming from the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The crisis escalated on Monday when the Rivers Assembly, dominated by Wike’s loyalists, served an impeachment notice to Fubara. Hours later, suspected militants blew up a major oil pipeline, further deepening concerns over security.

Opposition leaders have condemned Tinubu’s move, with Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh calling it “a threat to democracy,” while PDP chieftain Dr. Adejor Anthony accused Tinubu of siding with Wike. The Obidient Movement’s Yunusa Tanko warned that the decision could spark further unrest.

State Of Emergency In Rivers

However, lawyer Mathew Abakpa defended Tinubu’s action, citing constitutional provisions for emergency rule amid threats to law and order.

Meanwhile, security forces have taken control of the Rivers Government House, and reports suggest protests are brewing in parts of the state in support of Fubara.