Admin l Monday, March 05, 2018
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – An Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos today dismissed a no-case submission filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Rickey Tarfa, during his trial for allegedly obstructing and perverting the course of justice. Justice Aishat Opesanwo noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a prima- facie case against Tarfa and that he should therefore proceed with his defence. The judge also did not award the SAN N150million in exemplary damages for ‘malicious prosecution’ which the SAN had demanded from the anti-graft agency.
“I have taken consideration of Section 38(2) of the EFCC Act and Section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011, the oral and documentary evidence given by the prosecution. I am satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima-facie case against the defendant. I invite the defendant to proceed with his defence of the three-cpunt charge contained in the information herein,” the judge said.
Tarfa is facing a three-count charge of obstruction of justice and perverting the course of justice by the EFCC. The EFCC alleges that Tarfa wilfully obstructed two of its officers, Moses Awolusi and Sanusi Mohammed, from making an arrest of his clients within the premises of the Igbosere High Court, Lagos. Tarfa’s clients, Gnanhoue Sourou and Nazaire Odeste, were suspected by the EFFC of committing some financial crimes.
The EFCC also alleges that Tarfa engaged in alleged illegal and secret communication with Justice Mohammed Yunusa, a Federal High Court judge who presided over the case. Justice Opesanwo has adjourned the case till May 24 and 25 for defence.
