Contrary
to reports by a section of the media, the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) has not been stopped from arraigning Dr. Wale Babalakin by
any court order. The ruling by Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court,
Lagos which many have construed as a restraining order, merely GRANTED LEAVE to
the applicant to apply for an order of prohibition preventing the EFCC and the
Attorney General of the Federation from going ahead with his arraignment.
This
was one of three prayers sought by Babalakin through an ex-parte
application. But Justice Idris turned down the two other prayers, which
included an order to restrain the respondents from prosecuting the applicant.
Their
motion on notice for interlocutory injunction against the EFCC and the AGF is
scheduled to be heard on December 12, 2012.
Babalakin
was to have been arraigned on Thursday November 30 before Justice Adeniyi
Onigbanjo of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on money laundering charges
but failed to show up, claiming sudden illness that necessitated his
hospitalization at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
The
businessman and four others : Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Limited, Bi-Courtney
Limited and Remix Nigeria Limited are facing a 27-count charge for fraudulently
transferring various sums of money on behalf of the former governor of Delta
State, Chief James Ibori, through third parties to some foreign accounts under
the guise of purchasing a Challenger Jet Aircraft.
Justice
Onigbanjo has adjourned the case to December 12, 2012.
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