Admin l Wednesday, May 09, 2018
IKEJA, Nigeria – A Lagos State High Court Judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi today condemned Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC)for want of diligent prosecution of ongoing trial in his court. The judge described the situation as an abuse of court processes and waste of judicial time in expediting trial.
Justice Oshodi expressed the displeasure in a trial of Ibrahim Ahmed-Rufai who was arraigned before the court for alleged fraud by the anti-graft agency. At today’s proceedings, the judge lambasted EFCC counsel, Mr. A. A. Adebayo for stalling the proceedings on ground of non availability of witness which makes the court to close the case at the last adjourned date.
Mr. Adebayo informed the court that the agency was not happy with the antecedent of the proceedings while presenting an application for reopening of the case. In response, Justice Oshodi who is visible angry for the comment said the matter has suffered series of setbacks with about five adjournments, based on failure of the EFCC to present their witness.
Justice Oshodi pointed out that the court of justice is for two parties and not one sided as such he would not allow EFCC to rubbish his integrity before the National Judicial Council, and the media.The defence counsel, Mr. Babatunde Alara who commended the judge for upholding justice and discipline said he has an application to quash charges against his client. After entertaining submissions from counsels, Justice Oshodi said that the two applications are not ripe for hearing. The matter has been adjourned till June 27, for mention.
