EFCC arraigns Rickey Tarfa for alleged obstruction

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Rickey Tarfa, a senior advocate of Nigeria, before Justice Aishat Opesanwo of Lagos State High Court, Igbosere on two-count charge bordering on obstruction of justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The defendant pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Based on the plea of the defendant, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo prayed the court for a trial date and to remand the defendant in custody.

However, Adeniyi Akintola, a senior advocate of Nigeria, who represented the defendant with other lawyers in the over 90-man list of representative, said they had filed an application for bail which he said was served on the prosecution on February 10.

In his application for bail, the defence counsel told the court that the defendant came to court voluntarily and that he was granted administrative bail by EFCC on self-recognizance.

He said the defendant was a very senior member of the bar with no criminal record, saying there was nothing to show that the defendant would jump bail.

However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court to dismiss the application as the offence was grave.

He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the application and order for an accelerated hearing.

Justice Opesanwo in her ruling granted bail to the defendant on self-recognition but ordered that he must not travel out of the country without the permission of the court.

The trial judge bemoaned the number of counsel who was in court for the defendant. She noted that there was no need for such magnitude of support as it amounted to harassment and intimidation of the court.

Soon after the ruling, Akintola told the court that he has filed an application to quash the charge. Rotimi responded that he had not been served. He was subsequently served by the defence counsel in open court.

 

SEYI ANJORIN