The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mojisola Olatoregun

  • I didn’t interrogate Akingbola, says EFCC witness

    A chief inspector at the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Abdulraheem Jimoh, on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he did not interrogate the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Dr Erastus Akingbola during his investigation.

    Under cross-examination by defence counsel Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) during Akingbola’s trial before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, Jimoh, the second prosecution witness, said he relied on records of suspicious transactions.

    The witness said he did not know whether Intercontinental Securities Limited (ISL), a subsidiary of Intercontinental Bank, fully liquidated a loan obligation to Regal Finance Limited, adding that he did not ask.

    Asked if ISL could obtain facilities from other financial institutions, the witness said he did not know.

    Asked whether Akingbola as MD/CEO could obtain facilities from other financial institutions, Jimoh said it had to be with board approval, but later changed his answer to “I don’t know”.

    Asked whether he looked through ICL’s books and ledgers as the bank’s chief examiner, he said no.

    On whether he asked Intercontinental Bank if action was taken on Regal Finance Ltd’s alleged indebtedness, he said he did not ask, adding that he did not look into ICL’s books before writing his report.

    Asked if he knew anything about bank’s general ledger, he said: “I don’t know anything about Intercontinental Bank general ledger.

    Read Also: Akingbola’s lawyer to court: EFCC’s witness lied

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Akingbola, between November 2007 and July 2008, “caused to be created a misleading appearance of active trading in the shares of Intercontinental Bank Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange by being connected with the utilization of an aggregate sum of N179.385billlion of the bank’s fund for the purchase of the bank’s shares.”

    The commission said Akingbola converted N10billion belonging to the bank by obtaining three manager’s cheques in the names of Tropics Properties Ltd, Tropics securities Ltd and Bankinson Nigeria Ltd, which he “owned and controlled”.

    EFCC added in the charge: “The manager cheques were subsequently used to repay loan granted by Access Bank Plc to your companies and which sum you knew represented the proceeds of crime, to wit: stealing.”

    The alleged offence violates Section 14 (1) of the Money Laudering Act of 2004.

    In the 22-count charge, the prosecution alleged that Akingbola made an equity investment of N100million in Flexmore Technologies without a prior approval in writing of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    It said Akingbola failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the requirement to maintain, at all times, the minimum capital adequacy ratio specified by the CBN in compliance with Section 13(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, Cap B3 Laws of the Federation 2004.

    Akingbola was accused of granting “unsecured credit facilities” worth billions of naira to different companies, and of buying a London property at with 1.3million pounds taken from the bank’s Nostro account, among others.

    The case was first handled by Justice Charles Archibong, who struck out the charge for lack of diligent prosecution. EFCC appealed.

    Last May, the Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeal’s decision overruling Justice Archibong and directing Akingbola to face trial in the 10-year-old case.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until April 4 and 5 for continuation of trial.

     

  • Microfinance Bank chief jailed four years for fraud

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday sentenced Integrated Microfinance Bank Limited Managing Director Simon Ademola Akinteye to four years imprisonment for $166 million fraud.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun found him guilty of eight-count charge filed against him by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice.

    The judge sentenced Akinteye to four years on each of the counts, to run concurrently.

    She, however, gave the convict an option of N16million fine – N2 million on each count.

    Justice Olatoregun acquitted and discharged the convict’s co-accused, Gabriel Adepoju, who was charged with diverting over N22 million from the bank to Gad Press Limited.

    The prosecution alleged that Akinteye recklessly approved credit facilities of $166 million and N33 million to Mrs. Temitope Muhammed Imam without collateral.

    Read Also: ‘World Bank’s funded project on course’

    Akinteye was said to have at different times withdrawn N11 million from the bank’s account and diverted it into his company account named Deblad Nigeria Limited.

    He was also said to have unlawfully withdrawn $166 million and paid it into Imam’s account domiciled with Citi Bank in New York.

    Prosecuting counsel Mrs. Ndidi Glady Ezinwa-Ukuba said the offence was contrary to Sections 18 (1)(a) and 18(3) and 15(1)(a)(I) Banks and other financial Institution Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under Section 18(2) and 16(1)(a) of the same Act.

    Before their arraignment on May 18, 2016, the defendants’ lawyer, A. O. Sheriff, through a preliminary objection, urged court to dismiss the charge.

    It was on the ground that the defendants had earlier been acquitted and discharged by Justice Okon Abang on similar charges.

    But Justice Olatoregun dismissed the objection on the ground that the facts in the charges were not the same.

  • Court convicts ex-Integrated Microfinance Bank MD for $166.9m fraud

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday convicted a Managing Director of the defunct Integrated Microfinance Bank Ltd., Simon Akinteye, for fraud totalling 166.9 million U.S. dollars.

    Olatoregun found Akinteye guilty of all the nine counts of the charge bordering on reckless granting of loans.

    The charge was preferred by the Federal Government.

    The court, however, discharged Akinteye’s co-defendant, Gabriel Adepoju, who was charged on  one count of unlawful diversion of N22.3 million to a printing company.

    Olatoregun adjourned sentencing of Akinteye until Feb. 21.

    In the charge marked FHC/L/234c/16, the prosecution said that the convict recklessly and without collateral approved credit facilities amounting to 166 million dollars and N33.3 million to themselves and one Temitope Imam.

    Akinteye was said to have, at different times, withdrawn N11 million from  the bank’s account and diverted it to his personal company named ‘Deblad Nigeria Ltd. ‘

    He was also said to have unlawfully withdraw 166 million dollars and paid same into the account of Temitope Imam domiciled with Citi Bank N. A. of Utica/Clarkson, 702, Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

    The second defendant, Adepoju, was alleged to have withdrawn and diverted  N22.3 million to a limited liability company, Gad Press Ltd.

    The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene the Sections 15 (1)(a), 18() and 18(3)a)(I) of the Banks and Other Financial Institution Act, 2004.

    The duo had pleaded not guilty on arraignment.

    NAN

  • Obanikoro: it’s painful testifying against Fayose

    A former Minister of State for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Monday told the Federal High Court in Lagos it was tough accepting to testify against his friend, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    He spoke while testifying in Fayose’s trial for money laundering before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    Under cross examination by defence counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Obanikoro admitted he returned N200million to the Federal Government.

    He said it was part of funds received from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the 2014 Ekiti election.

    Read Also: My role in movement of $5m to Fayose, by Obanikoro

    On testifying against Fayose, he said: “I am trying to restrain myself saying things that will further damage my relationship with him.

    “It’s very painful for me to give evidence against him, no doubt about that.”

    Obanikoro admitted he led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) team that was in Ekiti for Fayose’s victory.

  • Alleged property seizure: Court strikes out Evans’s N1bn suit against police

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday struck out a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwamadike (a.k.a Evans), against the police over seizure of his property.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

    She said that the suit ought to have been filed before a Lagos State High Court where the applicant was facing charges of kidnapping.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Evans, through his counsel, Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje, filed the suit in June 2018 and joined as respondents, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), the Nigeria Police and I-G’s Intelligence Response Team.

    The applicant prayed the court to declare that alleged forceful seizure of his property by the respondents without any court order was illegal and unconstitutional.

    He listed some of the property as N500 million, another N500 million, two residential houses located at Magodo, Lagos State, a Brigade wristwatch worth 20,000 dollars, necklaces worth 25,000 dollars and five pieces of diamond rings.

    Read Also: Court rejects Evans’ claim of torture by Police

    Also listed are one Lexus 470, a Grand Cherokee, a Toyota Highlander, 85 Samsung television sets, 45KVA generator, 22KVA generator, 20KVA inverter worth N10 million and five sets of freezers.

    The applicant had sought an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally release the property.

    Evans had also asked the court for an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally unseal and vacate without delay, the two residential houses located at Magodo.

    The judge noted that the respondents did not file any defence in spite of being served hearing notices.

    She held that when confronted with a claim under the fundamental rights enforcement procedure, it would be important for the court to critically look at the reliefs sought.

    According to her, the main issue to be decided is whether the plaintiff’s claim constitutes a violation of his rights under the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure), adding that the right to own property cannot be denied except for due process of the law.

    She held that the applicant failed to show that, within the circumstances of his arrest, the property were forcefully seized.

    “The only conclusion I can draw is that the property was taken consequent upon his trial for kidnapping before the Lagos State High Court.

    According to the judge, although federal and state high court had concurrent jurisdiction, the instant case ought to have been taken to the court where the defendant is facing trial for kidnapping.

    “This court must be careful not to interfere with due process of the ongoing trial of the applicant before the Lagos State High Court.

    “This court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this case; same is hereby struck out,’’ she held.

    NAN reports that other prayers sought by Evans include an order compelling the respondents to apologise to him and pay him N1 billion as damages for the alleged forceful seizure of his property.

    He had also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from taking any action against him or any of his property in relation to this case.

  • Court grants Fayose N50m bail, trial to begin Nov. 19

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday  granted former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose N50m bail with one surety in like sum.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ruled on his bail application following his arraignment on Monday for alleged money laundering.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Fayose for allegedly receiving and using N1.2billion and $5million stolen funds.

    His lawyer, former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged the court to grant the former governor bail on self-cognisance as a former governor.

    According to him, there was a presumption of innocence of an accused until guilt is established.

    Besides, he said the former governor was very eager to see the conclusion of the case and so would not jump bail.

    Agabi told the court that Fayose willfully submitted himself to the EFCC immediately after leaving office as governor, which shows his readiness to face the charge.

    He said: “We have before your Lordship a bail application. It is supported by a 15-paragraph affidavit and a written address in support of our motion. We urge your Lordship to grant our application.

    “We agree that bail is totally at the discretion of court and urge your Lordship to grant it. The prosecution has filed a counter affidavit but the law allows for presumption of innocence.

    “Opposition by the prosecution cannot take away the discretionary power of your Lordship.

    “The defendant reported to the EFCC the day after he left office as a governor. I urge your Lordship to grant him bail on self-cognisance.

    “I assure your Lordship that he will not jump bail; he won’t run away.”

    But, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the bail application.

    He informed the court about a counter affidavit in opposition to the bail motion, adding that although bail is a constitutional right, there were limitations.

    “The issue of presumption of innocence has to do with trial and for now, no one is saying he is guilty,” he said

    Jacobs opposed the application for bail on self-cognisance on the ground that being a former governor was not a yardstick for being granted bail on liberal terms.

    According to him, intelligence reports revealed that the defendant would interfere with witnesses and proceedings, and may jump bail if granted bail.

    He urged the court to refuse bail, adding that Fayose allegedly reported at EFCC with thugs.

    Jacobs said: “We filed a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit. We agree that bail is at the discretion of the court but the constitutional right to liberty is can be deprived.

    “Self-cognisance should not be for special people and office. If a poor man cannot be admitted to bail on self-cognisance, then it should not apply to anyone else.

    “Rather, we urge the court to order accelerated hearing.”

    Jacobs added that intelligence reports also revealed that some of the listed witnesses who served in Fayose’s administration had already expressed fear of intimidation.

    In a short ruling, Justice Olatoregun noted that the issues raised by the prosecution in its counter affidavit were grave, but that the accused would be given benefit of the doubt.

    She held: “The defendant is admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.”

    The surety, she said, must present a bond of N50 million from a reputable insurance company or a first line bank acceptable to the court.

    The judge held that the surety should produce three-year tax clearance.

    Justice Olatoregun urged Fayose to ensure he attends court for trial unfailingly, otherwise, the bond would be forfeited.

    The former governor was directed deposit his international passport in the court’s registry.

    Justice Olatoregun ordered that Fayose be remanded in EFCC’s custody in the interim.

    EFCC arraigned Fayose on an 11-count charge of violating the Money Laundering Act.

    He was charged with his company, Spotless Limited.

    EFCC said Fayose and his associate Abiodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1, 219, 000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4).

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from then Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes Sections 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

    The commission said Fayose benefitted from N4.65billion slush funds allocated by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses that will testify in the trial.

    Fayose was also accused of retaining stolen N300million in his fixed deposit account, and allegedly deposited another stolen N317million in an belonging to Spotless Investment Limited, a company controlled by him and members of his family.

    He was also accused of acquiring several property in Lagos and Abuja, including one bought in his elder sister’s name using part of the stolen funds.

    In the last count, EFCC said Fayose, on or about January 30, 2015, did procure Still Earth Limited to retain in its account, the sum of N132.5million.

    The sum, said the prosecution, “formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: gratification which you received from Samchase Nigeria Limited.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayose pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until November 19 for trial.

  • Bonga oil spill: Court upholds Fed Govt’s $3.6b fine on Shell

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd challenging the imposing of $3.6billion penalty on it by the Federal Government.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun resolved all the issues in the defendant’s favour and dismissed the suit.

    Shell sued the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), challenging its powers to impose levies or fines over oil spills.

    The plaintiff prayed the court to declare that NOSDRA cannot, in the light of Section 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, validly exercise any powers under Section 5, 6, 7 and 19 of the NOSDRA Act.

    Shell said the sections’ provisions encroach on judicial powers vested exclusively in the courts.

    The oil giant argued that it is the Federal High Court that is vested with the jurisdiction to determine liability and to assess, impose and direct the payment of any sum as penalty, damages or compensation in connection with an incidence of oil spillage, particularly the Bonga Oil Spill of December 20, 2011.

    Read Also: Anxiety as workers’ protest shutdown SHELL’s export terminal

    Shell urged the court to declare that the decision leading to the imposition of $3,600,191,206.00 on by NOSDRA was in breach of its right as enshrined in Section 36, 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

    It also urged the court to nullify NOSDRA’s powers to impose such levies over oil spills.

    In her May 24 judgment, a copy of which was obtained on Wednesday, Justice Olatoregun held that NOSDRA acted in line with its powers and did not violate Shell’s rights in any manner.

    The judge also found that Sections 5, 6 and 7 of the NOSDRA Act which empower it to impose penalties do not violate the Constitution.

    “I found no conflict with the duties conferred on NOSDRA by law and the power of the court to adjudicate in this matter… I find no violation of the 1999 Constitution within these sections,” the judge held.

    Justice Olatoregun further held that NOSDRA’s demand letters to Shell were not in conflict with Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

    The judge said: “The plaintiff had notice and opportunity to fair hearing. The plaintiff ought to have had recourse to the court for the determination of its civil rights and a proper adjudication on the issues if it felt its rights were infringed or about to be infringed.

    “I do not find the two letters ultra vires the duties and functions of the defendant.

    “I have no reason to set both letters aside as well as the sums ordered, as parties did not make evaluation of the assessed damage an issue for consideration in the questions raised for determination. No evidence upon which an evaluation could be made was also proffered.

    “In the final analysis, all the questions raised by the plaintiff are resolved in favour of the defendant. The only thing left to do is make an order dismissing the suit. Same is dismissed.”

  • Court to resume hearing of FG’s $406.8m suit against companies

    Court to resume hearing of FG’s $406.8m suit against companies

    A Federal High Court in Lagos will on Jan. 23, 2018, resume hearing of a $406.8 million  suit instituted by the Federal Government against Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd, over crude oil shipment.

    The suit numbered FHC/L/CS/336/16 was filed by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government.

    It has as defendants: Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd.

    The suit, which was billed for continuation of hearing, was stalled following the absence of the trial judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    Consequently, the continuation of hearing will resume on Jan. 23, 2018.

    Similarly, two sister cases before the same court involving the Federal Government and Agip as well as the Federal Government and Chevron, which were earlier slated for hearing on Nov.20 , were also adjourned until  Jan. 23, 2018.

    In the suit against Shell Western Supply, the plaintiff, ,Federal Government, is claiming the sum of $406.8 million from the defendants, which represent the shortfall of money paid into the Federal Government’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The money was said to be for crude oil lifted in 2013 and 2014.

    In a supporting affidavit, the Federal Government had accused the Anglo-Dutch company of not declaring or under-declaring crude oil shipments during the period.

    It said that this was discovered following forensic analysis of bills of laden and shipping documents, adding that Shell cheated Nigeria of the revenue.

    According to the affidavit, the consortium of experts tracked the global movements of the country’s hydro-carbons, including crude oil and gas.

    They identified the companies engaged in the practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil and gas export sales to different parts of the world.

    They also revealed discrepancies in the export records from Nigeria with the import records at U.S. ports.

    Plaintiff averred that the undeclared shipments between January 2013 and December 2014 brought the total value of the entire shortfall to $406.75 million.

    The defendants were said to have failed to respond to a Federal Government’s letter through its legal representative, seeking clarifications as to the discrepancies.

    The Federal Government is, therefore, seeking a court order to compel the two companies to pay $406.8 million, being the total value of the missing revenue and interest at 21 per cent per annum.

    In addition, the government is also asking Shell to pay general exemplary damages in the sum of $406.75 million as well as the cost of the legal action.

    The Federal Government had also sued Chevron, Total and Agip, in similar circumstances.

    The Federal Government is asking for a total of $12.7 billion over alleged non-declaration of 57 million barrels of crude shipped to the U.S. between 2011 and 2014.

    The oil companies are among 15 oil majors targeted by the government for the recovery of $17 billion in deprived revenue.

    NAN

  • Lagos court fixes June 19 for judgment in Tompolo’s suit against IGP, EFCC

    Lagos court fixes June 19 for judgment in Tompolo’s suit against IGP, EFCC

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday fixed June 19 to deliver judgment in a suit filed by Chief Government Ekpemulopo, alias Tompolo, seeking the enforcement of his rights.

    Tompolo, who had been declared wanted since Feb. 12, 2016 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is seeking court’s protection against prosecution over an alleged N45.9 billion fraud.
    Joined as respondents in the suit are the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the EFCC, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff.
    On Thursday, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun reserved judgment in the suit after hearing arguments from counsel.
    Adopting his originating processes, counsel to the first and second respondents, Mr T.A Mofolu, argued that the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, provides for speedy criminal trials.
    According to him,  the law provides that an accused has a right of appeal where he is not at par with the decision of a court.

    He said in this case the respondent was aware of an appeal filed by the applicant.
    He also objected to the attachment of a newspaper publication in the applicant’s further affidavit dated June 16, 2016 on the grounds that such piece of evidence was secondary and ought to be certified at the National library.

    Mofolu, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the application for lack of merit.

    But counsel to the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, submitted that the applicant in question was a “fugitive” in law and should not be allowed to seek redress from the court until he submitted himself for trial.

    He argued that given the materials placed before the court, it was clear that the applicant was s in clear contempt of the order of Justice Ibrahim Buba, who had earlier compelled his attendance in court to answer charges preferred against him.

    Oyedepo described the application as an abuse of court process, saying “it is trite that a party who is in contempt of court cannot seek redress” and urged  the court to throw out the application for lack of merit.

    He said in his originating processes, the applicant had “ridiculously and in contradiction of his claims” annexed a copy of his notice of appeal signed personally by him.
    “If the applicant feigns ignorance of the charge, how then was he able to brief his counsel on the charge for an appeal to be filed.

    “The issue leading to the preferring of a criminal charge against the applicant borders on fraud in which billions of naira was lost by the Federal government.”
    He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the application and award “heavy” costs against the applicant for abusing the court’s process.

    In response to the arguments of respondent’s counsels, Tompolo’s lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, brought his application pursuant to the provisions of the African Charter of Human rights, the 1999 constitution, as well as the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

    He argued that in criminal law service of a charge was personal and could not be presumed, adding that there is no evidence before the court showing that exhibit A (charge) was served on the applicant.

    On the issue of contempt, Adegboruwa submitted that the applicant could not be cited for contempt, adding that since the beginning of the proceedings, the applicant cannot be said to have breached any court order.

    He insisted that it was the constitutional right of the applicant to apply to court for the enforcement of his rights and urged the court to uphold it.

    After listening to the submissions of counsel, Justice Olatoregun fixed June 19 for judgment.

    The EFCC had filed a 40-count charge against Tompolo and nine others before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the same court.

    Following the absence of  Tompolo in court since his arraignment, Justice Buba had  issued a bench warrant for his arrest and production in court.

    The court had also on Feb. 19, 2014, ordered a forfeiture of property belonging to Tompolo after an application was moved to that effect by the EFCC.

    Justice Buba had held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 empowers the court to seize properties of an accused who refused to face trial.

    The court recalled that though Tompolo refused to appear in court, he briefed his lawyers and through them sought to vacate the order of his arrest.

    Consequently, he ordered forfeiture of properties belonging to Tompolo pending when appears in court.

    Property affected by the forfeiture order included a River Crew Change Boat named MUHA – 15, the property known as “Tompolo Dockyard”, and the property known as “Tompolo Yard”, at the end of Chevron Clinic Road, next to Next Oil, Edjeba, Warri.
    Others are the Diving School at Kurutie at Escravos River, the property known as “Tompolo House” at Oporaza Town, and any other property discovered by the EFCC moveable and immovable.
    Meanwhile, Tompolo is seeking an order restraining the respondents from further proceeding with the charges slammed on him.

    Tompolo contends that Sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 which prohibit him from seeking a stay of proceedings in his trial infringed on his constitutional rights to fair hearing.

    Tompolo also wants the court not to only nullify Sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA but to also restrain the respondents from invoking  the sections of the law against him.

    He insists that Sections 221 and 306 were in conflict with Section 36 of the Constitution which guarantees his right to fair hearing.

  • NDLEA arraigns two Brazilians over importation of Cocaine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday charged two Brazilians before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cocaine trafficking.

    The accused, Lima Diego and Dias Christina, were arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on three counts of importing 23.9 kg of cocaine.

    The prosecution said that they conspired with Ben Abiodun and others who are now at large to import the narcotic drug.

    According to the NDLEA prosecutor, Mr Abu Ibrahim, on April 18, Diego imported 14.5 kg of cocaine without lawful authority.

    He said that the narcotic was found during the inward clearance of passengers on board an Emirates Airlines flight from Brazil, en-route Dubia to Lagos.

    Christina was accused of importing 9.40 kg of cocaine on April 18.

    She was caught during inward clearance of passengers on Emirates Airlines flight from Brazil en-route Dubai to Lagos, without lawful authority.

    The alleged offence are said to have contravened the provisions of Section 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The court ordered their remand in prison pending the hearing of their bail and adjourned the case until May 15.