At the
resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday April 30, 2013 EFCC counsel, Chile
Okoroma observed that the arguments canvassed by defence counsel in support of
their applications are immaterial at this point; stressing that the fundamental
issue remains that a prima facie case have been established against the
defendants to warrant explanation from them before the court.
He
said, from available indications, the accused were deceptive which amounts to
dishonesty and punishable under the relevant laws. He therefore urged the court
to refuse the application.
Earlier, counsel
to the accused persons, J.S Okutepa, SAN and Onyenchi Ikpeazu, SAN while moving
their separate motions for no case submission contended that estacode is money
meant for a public servant who travels overseas. They said once the money is approved
and the officer embarks on the journey, the money becomes his.
The duo of Hembe,
and Azubogu are being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly converting the sum
of $4,095 dollars paid to them as estacode for a conference in Dominican Republic,
which they failed to attend; thereby committing an offence contrary to section
308 of the Penal Code Act Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990.
After
listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned ruling to
June 19, 2013
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