The Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC has filed separate charges before a Federal High Court
in Abuja,
against 40 suspects implicated in alleged N4.56billion pension scam.
Those facing the
new separate charge are a former Director, Pension Administration in the Office
of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu,
nine other accused and 30 companies.
Apart from Shuaibu, others are Mohammed
Ahmed Katun, Garba Abdullahi Tahir, Abdul Mohammed, Emmanuel Olanipekun, Aliyu
Bello, Abdullahi Omeiza, Phina Chidi, Franklin Okey Nwankwo and Omoefe Eric
Uduesegbe.
The suspects have been
standing trial on a 24- count charge bordering on stealing before Justice Adamu
Bello. But at the resumed hearing Tuesday, April 23, 2013, the
prosecuting counsel, Godwin Obla informed the court of his intention to
constitute separate trial for all the accused, and that he had filed seven
separate charges against the accused persons.
He also informed the court
that all 10 accused persons have been duly served with the new charges.
However, counsel to the 1st
accused, Sunday I. Ameh objected to the oral application made by the
prosecution to amend or withdraw the previous charge. He said the prosecution
has not placed sufficient reasons before the court to justify the action.
Ameh also claimed that his
client has just been served with the new charge and will need time to study it
and raise objection, if necessary. He therefore called for an adjournment.
Other defence counsel aligned themselves with Ameh.
However, Justice Adamu Bello
ruled that it was within the prosecution’s right to withdraw any charge before
the court or file a new one where necessary. He therefore dismissed the defence
objection to the new charges as baseless and lacking in merit.
With the new charges, the suspects are
expected to take fresh pleas.
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