Alleged N4m bribe: I never encountered Shehu Sani in person, says CJN
Felix Omohomhion, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has debunked the insinuations that the detained former senator, Shehu Sani, demanded money from some individuals to pass it on to him to settle other judges to sway the course of justice.
Justice Muhammad was reacting to reports alleging that Sani had demanded N4m from one Alhaji Sani Dauda of ASD Motors to pass on to the CJN to help resolve a court case involving him (Dauda).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week arrested Sani for alleged name dropping and duping individuals on the pretence of helping them to resolve cases with the EFCC and courts.
Justice Muhammad on Sunday said in a ststement signed by Dr Akande Festus, Director of Press and Information, Supreme Court of Nigeria, that he has never encountered Sani personally or at any capacity, stating he will take measures to clear his name.
The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to the story making the round in some national dailies where it was reported that Senator Shehu Sani allegedly approached Alhaji Sani Dauda of ASD Motors and purportedly demanded for the sum of N4, 000,000 to give to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Dr Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, to settle some unnamed four Judges over a case he (Shehu Sani) allegedly claimed won’t see the light of the day.
“Let it be known that if the statement credited to Shehu Sani was actually made by him, it is simply a blatant lie, a figment of his imagination and an orchestrated falsehood immodestly concocted to malign, smear and disingenuously tarnish the good image and reputation of the CJN with a view to gaining financial reward.
“Even though the veracity of the true source of the unsubstantiated statement has not yet been ascertained to know if it was really from the former Senator, it is, however imperative to keep the records straight by letting the public know that Justice Tanko Muhammad has never, in his entire life, seen or had any form of encounter or interactions, either directly or remotely with Shehu Sani, let alone giving him assurances of what is not only unethical but equally despicable and inglorious, to say the least.
“The outcome of the ongoing investigations will determine the next line of action to be taken regarding the flagrant defamation of the character of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, as perpetrators of such falsehood can never be allowed to walk away with the dastardly act. The lesson learnt from this will surely serve as deterrent to other potential name droppers and extortionists, who are apparently wanting in noble candor that may also be eagerly waiting in the queue to thread the same path of infamy.”
