Emmanuel Thomas l Friday, February 23, 2018
IKEJA, Nigeria – A Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, was today informed that judicial officers can collect gifts, which could be landed property, house or even money.
Chief Robert Clark, SAN made the revelation while cross-examining Abdullahi Lawal, the IPO and Witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the case involving the Federal Government and serving judge of the Federal High Court, (Ilorin) Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia and Godwin Obla, SAN.
Clark, made the observation during the re-arraignment of Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia and Godwin Obla, SAN, after the EFCC witness,Abdulahi Lawal said judicial officers are not allowed to collect gifts but customary gift during festivities(rice, etc) beyond which any other amounts to corrupt self enrichment. Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia and Godlwin Obla, SAN were first arraigned on 30 count charge on November 16, 2016. The Judge and Obla were admitted to bail the same day on self recognition.
But Clark noted that it is on record in the Handbook of Judicial officers that judges can collect gift since they are special breed. Clark also challenged the IPO for claiming that the N18 million loan which Mr. Greg advanced to Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia was proceed of corrupt enrichment when the EFCC knows that the affected sum was loan.
Besides, Lawal told the court that Greg told him in at EFCC head office in Lagos that the money in question was loan advanced to the judge, when Ike Clark asked the IPO if he would have added the charge relating to the money if he was aware that the money in question was loan.
But he replied that the money was a proceeds of corruption because the judge may decide not to pay back the money.
On the charge that Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia lied to officer of the EFCC, Clark questioned the rational for documenting as evidence private phone conversation between the judge and the EFCC without prior warning to the first defendant that the subject of the conversation would be used as evidence.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi however adjourned the matter to March 23, 2018 for continuation of cross-examination when Robert Clark prayed the court for adjournment on account of age having stood on his feet for more than two hours.
