N270m fraud: EFCC gets Ohakim’s case returned back to Justice Ademola

The suit filed against former Governor of Imo state Ikedi Ohakim, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been returned back to the initial trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of an Abuja Federal High Court, BusinessDay can authoritatively report.

The prosecution through its counsel,  Festus Keyamo, had sort for the retransfer of matter which was reassigned to Justice B.  O. Quadri of the same Federal High Court, due to the arraignment of the initial trial judge.

The matter which was slated for mention before the new trial court, Justice B. O. Quadri of the Federal High Court could not go on even with the presence of the defendant himself in court.

Counsel representing Ohakim, Awa Kalu SAN had at the resumption of trial,  informed Justice Quadri of the receipt of the letter addressed to the Federal High Court Headquarters, seeking for transfer of the matter which had been reassigned, back to Justice Ademola who was facing trial as at the time.

After the letter was produced and informed the court about,  Justice Quadri adjourned the matter to October 5, 2017 for ruling on the retransfer request and for further mention.

Keyamo, however, confirmed that the matter had been returned back to Justice Ademola in a telephone chat with our correspondent.

“Yes,  the case has been returned back to Justice Ademola,  we are just waiting for his lordship to issue us with hearing notices.  As you are aware that the defendant’s no case submission was dismissed,  it won’t be okay for us to now start the matter afresh again before another court”, Keyamo said.

Ohakim is standing trial over alleged fraudulent payment for Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No. 60, Kwame Nkuruma Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

It will be recalled that Justice Ademola had dismissed the no case submission made by Ohakim over alleged corruption and money laundering offences.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola in his ruling on the submission, held that the prosecution, led by Festus Keyamo had established a prima-facie case against the defendant necessitating him to open his defence.

The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi then adjourned till October 10 and 13, 2016 for the defence to call its witnesses before he was detained by the Department of State Service (DSS) and subsequently arraigned and discharged of all charges against him.

 

SEYI ANJORIN, Abuja