FEATURED
Alleged Fraud: EFCC Threatens FIRS Officials With Arrest As Court Fixes June 23 For Fresh Trial
The Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday fixed June 23 for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to re-arraign some top officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and two former Directors over alleged fraud.
Justice Bolaji Olajuwon fixed the date after counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, informed the court that the matter was formally before a sister judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, who had been transferred to the Calabar division.
Justice Olajuwon, from Markudi Division, took over from Justice Ojukwu.
“This matter was slated for the prosecution to open its case, but due to recent transfer that took place, the matter will have to be commenced de novo (afresh),” Iheanacho told the judge.
The EFCC lawyer hinted that though the defendants were already on bail, he would have prayed for an arrest warrant against three of the defendants who were neither in court nor represented by counsel.
Only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 9th defendants were either in court or represented by their counsel.
“They are actually on bail; but if not for the fact that the matter is coming up for the first time before my Lord, I will have made request for arrest warrant,” Iheanacho said.
The judge, therefore, held that the defendants, who were absent, should be given another opportunity to come to court, then adjourned the matter until June 23 for fresh arraignment.
The anti-corruption agency had, on March 11, arraigned Peter Hena, former Coordinating Director; Mohammed Bello Auta, ex-Finance Director; and seven other officials of the FIRS before Justice Ojukwu.
The others are Aminu Sidi, Umar Aliyu Aduku, Mbura Mustapha, Obi Okeke Malachy, Obaje Napoleon Adofu, Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred and Benjamin Jiya.
They were arraigned on 42-count charge bordering on corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of funds running into millions and punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012).
(The story excluding headline contains information from The Eagle Online)
‘I Was Fighting for Nigeria’ — Colonel Accused of Tinubu Coup Plot Begs for Pardon
CAN to Jingir: Political Campaigning Shouldn’t Turn Into Religious Insults
Tonto Dikeh Launches ‘New Wine’ Spiritual Movement, Says It Is Not a Church
Tinubu ‘Lives Modestly’, Walks to Office, Eats Once Daily — Revenue Boss
Nigeria’s Census Bill Hits ₦219bn as Nation Still Relies on 2006 Population Figures
Wike, Fubara Move to Bury the Hatchet as Governor Meets Reconciliation Team
3 Arrested In Lagos For Allegedly Targeting VIS Van To Remove Brain-Boxes
Okowa Urges APC Leaders Not to Sideline Critics, Calls for Reconciliation as Delta North Stakeholders Meet Ahead 2027 Polls
Nigerian Law School Student Allegedly Takes Her Own Life in School Hostel – Zagazola Report
Osun Election: Why Police Are Deploying 14,692 Officers Across 3,673 Polling Units
Benue Killings: Idoma Diaspora to Petition Trump, Seek US Congress Intervention
NO MORE FAKE FUEL PROMISES: TINUBU STOPPED THE BLEEDING, BY FESTUS GOZIEM OKUBOR
Hold on Tightly to God, Dele Momodu tells Adeleke Ahead of 2026 Osun Poll
Fayose: Darkness After 7pm Is Responsible For Nigeria’s Baby Boom
