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Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Of 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.
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.
The judge added that the case has gone so far, and justice would be served if the trial is completed on its merit and final judgment delivered in the matter.
He also declined to expunge the evidence of the former SGF, Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from the court records as requested by Emefiele that the evidence of the two witnesses offended Section 36 (2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing.
The additional proof of evidence filed on October 15, 2024, by the EFCC was seeking to introduce fresh evidence against Emefiele, more than 365 days when the charges against him was filed.
It also sought to bring two witnesses, Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extra judicial statements were made in August 2024, in respect of the charge that had been filed in August 2023.
Emefiele had in the motion argued by his lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN complained that the evidence of Mustapha and Mairiga were brought to court by EFCC without confronting him with their extra judicial statements made long after the trial had commenced.
Meanwhile, Justice Muaza has fixed June 3, for continuation of trial.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has urged religious bodies to unite in condemning the violation of religious rights across the country.
He stated, “Religious rights violations affect both Christians and others. If we genuinely want to fight against such injustices, we must do so collectively in the interest of all believers.”
Rev. Hayab emphasized that no individual, regardless of their faith, should be denied their rights. He stressed the importance of respecting religious freedoms, allowing every citizen to move freely and engage in legitimate business activities for personal and national development.
Speaking in Kaduna on Monday during a congratulatory visit by Christian journalists following his recent election as Northern CAN Chairman, Hayab reiterated, “Religious bodies must stand against the violation of others’ rights.”
He expressed concern over increasing instances of religious intolerance, warning that such actions place Nigeria among countries of concern regarding religious freedom.
According to him, religious organizations should collectively urge the government to prosecute individuals who violate others’ rights based on religious differences.
“If the government starts enforcing the law against such violations, people will understand that religious discrimination is unacceptable,” he said.
” Enforcing these laws will help create an equitable society where all citizens are treated fairly.
He also thanked the Christian journalists for their support, assuring them that the new CAN leadership would ensure that Christian voices are heard and protected.
He acknowledged the backing of Christian youths, women, church leaders, and the entire Christian community in Northern Nigeria.
Reflecting on the recent CAN elections, Hayab admitted that there were challenges but was pleased that the Northern CAN constituency united in support of the elected leadership.
He affirmed his commitment to fostering understanding and harmony, stating, “My doors are always open to diverse opinions, and I am dedicated to working together to promote peaceful coexistence for the development of Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.”
By Israel Bulus
Young leaders who embody dedication, intelligence, and a progressive vision for their constituents stand out. Among them is Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Banking and Regulations in the House of Representatives.
His legislative approach, commitment to development, and active participation in national discourse have earned him recognition as a promising parliamentarian.
Since assuming office, Bello El-Rufai has demonstrated versatility and pragmatism in his legislative duties. His contributions on the floor of the House are not only well-articulated but also highly impactful, addressing key issues affecting his constituency and the nation at large. His active participation in debates, sponsorship of bills, and engagement in parliamentary committees reflect his dedication to governance and policy-making.
One of his defining strengths is his ability to combine youthful energy with intellectual depth, positioning himself as a progressive voice among his colleagues. He has consistently championed policies aimed at improving education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, recognizing the importance of these sectors in nation-building.
Beyond the legislative chambers, Bello El-Rufai has taken deliberate steps to enhance the welfare of his constituents. Through various initiatives, he has worked to improve access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the people of Kaduna North. His projects and interventions reflect a genuine commitment to grassroots development.
His leadership style is rooted in inclusivity, as he remains accessible to his constituents, frequently engaging with community leaders, youth groups, and business stakeholders. This open-door approach fosters trust and ensures that the voices of the people he represents are heard and addressed.
At a time when youth participation in politics is increasingly emphasized, Bello El-Rufai serves as a symbol of inspiration for young Nigerians aspiring to lead. His performance in the National Assembly underscores the importance of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas in governance. By balancing policy-driven leadership with grassroots engagement, he exemplifies what a modern-day legislator should be.
His presence in Nigeria’s political space also challenges negative stereotypes about young politicians, proving that with the right mix of dedication, vision, and leadership skills, young leaders can thrive and make meaningful contributions to national development.
Bello El-Rufai’s journey as a lawmaker is a testament to his passion for service, his unwavering commitment to the people of Kaduna North, and his broader vision for Nigeria. His ability to blend legislative advocacy with tangible development projects sets him apart as a quintessential parliamentarian.
As he continues to make strides in policy-making, representation, and constituency development, it is evident that his contributions will leave a lasting impact. Bello El-Rufai is not just a lawmaker; he is a symbol of the future of Nigerian leadership—one that is youthful, dynamic, and responsive to the needs of the people.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, has slammed stringent bail conditions on two Abuja-based business agents, Nsor Nyami and Iranloye Olusegun, who were put on trial by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun allegedly defrauding their employer of N10.6 million.
Justice Musa Suleiman Liman, while admitting the two business agents to bail on Monday, ordered them to produce one surety each who must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of their landed property in Abuja to the court throughout the trial of the criminal charge against them.
The sureties to the two business agents are also to produce three years tax certificate that would be verified by the Federal Inland Revenue Service in addition to signing a N20M bail bond for the defendants to be released on bail.
Delivering ruling in their fresh bail application, Justice Liman ordered the two defendants to deposit their international passports and their passport photograph with the court, while their sureties must swear to affidavit of means and submit to the court their National Identification Certificate for the purpose of ascertaining their true identities.
Justice Suleiman, who said that he admitted them to bail on special circumstances of ill health groundS, had vacated his earlier order of January 2025, before admitting them to bail.
Nsor Nyami and Iranloye Olusegun, were arraigned before the court for allegedly defrauding their employer of N10.6 million entrusted into their care.
They were also accused of selling unregistered products to unsuspecting customers across the country before the National Agency for food Drug and Adminiu(NAFDA), sealed up their factory in Abuja.
The Inspector General of Police, who acted on the petition against them and after a thorough investigation slammed on them, a 10-count charge bordering on felony, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust contrary to Section 3 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2007.
Although the defendants denied the charges, the IGP however alleged that the two accused persons, sometime in 2022 in Abuja, conspired amongst themselves to commit felony by dishonestly disposing of the Soya Plus product entrusted to them in violation of directives and guidelines prescribing the mode in which such trust is to be discharged.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 3 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2007 and punishable under Section 3 of the same Act.
The IGP also alleged that the two accused persons in the same year dishonestly converted the sum of N10.6M to their own use, being money given to them by various customers in the distribution of Peace Foundation International Soya Plus, and refused to remit the money to their employer.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act.
Also, the IGP alleged that the accused persons in 2022 in Abuja carried out the distribution of an unregistered product named Brika Soya Beans Milk without registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1 of the Food Product Registration Regulations of NAFDAC and punishable under Section 7 of the same Act.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/321/24, the second accused person, Olusegun Iranloye, was alleged to have criminally converted, for the purpose of stealing, the aggregate sum of N2.5m paid to him by various customers, the money being the property of his employer, contrary to Section 286 of the Penal Code Act and punishable under Section 287 of the same Act.
However, shortly after Monday’s ruling, the lead counsel to the accused persons, Ekanem Kanu Agabi, SAN informed Justice Suleiman that the two defendants would prefer to settle the dispute with the nominal complainant, while thanking the judge for admitting them to bail on health grounds.
Meanwhile, pending perfection of their bail conditions, the judge ordered that they be remanded in Kuje prison and fixed June 17, for trial of the defendants.