Skip to main content

You have case to answer, EFCC tells Rickey Tarfa

Image result for efcc
EFCC, in its counter-affidavit opposing a no-case submission by Tarfa, insisted that he had a case to answer because of perceived overwhelming evidence adduced by the prosecution in the course of the trial. At the last adjourned date, Tarfa, had filed a no-case submission. In response to the no case submission, Zakari Usman, an EFCC investigative officer, claimed all the averments contained in the applicants 21 paragraphs of no case submission, were mostly untrue. In a 12 paragraphs affidavit deposed to by Usman,  he contended that in view of the first to fifth prosecution witnesses and the documentary evidence tendered and marked as exhibits, the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the applicant.

  According to him: “The evidence of the prosecution witnesses is strong and un-discredited that this honourable Court can rely on to safely convict the applicant. In view of the evidence led by the prosecution, counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, the applicant ought to be called upon to open his defence and not be discharged and acquitted.” EFCC also said the information filed before the court against the defendant was not abuse of prosecutorial power of the EFCC, but the prosecution rather established a prima facie case against the defendant, saying “The Commission did not need a petition or a complaint to cause investigation to be conducted on any person who is reasonably suspected to have committed economic and financial related crimes.” According to Usman, the EFCC through its officers investigated the case discretely and professionally, claiming the commission diligently prosecuted the defendant.

  “The applicant is not entitled to any exemplary damages as the prosecution of this case against the applicant was not malicious”, he declared. The Anti-graft agency however urged the court to dismiss the no case submission, as the evidence adduced by the prosecution against the defendant before the court clearly established a prima facie case against the defendant. EFCC said: ”It will be in the interest of justice to refuse this application, more so when the evidence adduced by the prosecution against the applicant before this honourable court clearly established a prima facie case against the applicant.” The EFCC had arraigned Tarfa on March 9, 2016 on a 27-count charge bordering on offering of gratification to some judges and perversion of the course of justice, before a Lagos High Court, sitting at Igbosere.

  The anti-graft agency alleged, that Tarfa offered N5.3 million gratification to a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, to ‘compromise’ the judge. The commission had also claimed that Tarfa transferred the money in several tranches to the judge between June 27, 2012 and December 23, 2014. EFCC further alleged that the SAN lied about his age and failed to declare his assets to the commission upon his arrest on February 5, 2015. The offences contravened Section 64 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. But Tarfa pleaded not guilty on all the counts. He, subsequently, sought to quash the charges on the argument that they were incompetent. However, Justice Akintoye dismissed his application which made Tarfa to go on appeal.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The University of Lagos registration for  ONLINE DIRECT ENTRY  Screening Exercise for admission into ALL COURSES for the 2017/2018 academic year will commence from  FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 to FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017.   ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:   Candidates who chose University of Lagos in JAMB’s 2017/2018 Direct Entry (DE) application are eligible. In addition, candidates must possess five (5) credit passes  at one sitting  in relevant O/level subjects including English Language and Mathematics. Candidates must also fulfil all O/level and DE requirements for the course of choice as advertised by JAMB. SCREENING FEE       -           N2000   REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:   Eligible candidates should log on to University website  www.unilag.edu.ng . Then, take the following steps: Click on Admission Click on DIRECT ENTRY Screening Log in with JAMB regi...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Latest: Russia’s UN ambassador urges NKorea restraint

SEOUL, South Korea — The Latest on the global response to North Korea’s latest missile launch (all times local): 9:30 a.m. Thursday Russia’s U.N. ambassador is strongly urging North Korea to stop its nuclear and missile tests and calling on the U.S. and South Korea to cancel large-scale military maneuvers scheduled for December, warning that these drills “will only inflame an already explosive situation.” Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that Russia is “deeply disappointed” at North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile launch Tuesday, stressing that Moscow doesn’t support Pyongyang “becoming a nuclear power.” He says Russia is strongly calling on all parties to stop the “spiral of tension.” Nebenzia says Russia believes the only way to resolve the situation is through “tireless and diplomatic efforts” to find “a long-term and mutually acceptable solution.” 8:55 a.m. Thursday China’s deputy U.N. ambassador says the top...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bauchi Trains SBMC Members for Effective Management of Schools

As part of efforts to improve the quality and efficient school administration in Bauchi State, a total of 891 School Base Management Committee (SBMC) members across the state have been trained on effective management of schools to meet international standards. The training, under the Additional Financing programme, which was provided by the State Education Programme Investment Project (SEPIP), is targeting SBMC members for 297 schools in Ganjuwa, Katagum and Toro centres representing the three senatorial districts of the state. The three-day training, which was specifically organised for SBMC chairmen, secretaries and treasurers is to enable the members plan, improve and effectively manage schools in the state. Declaring the training open Thursday, the Chairman, Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (BASUBEB), Prof. Yahaya Ibraheem Yero, said the workshop was meant to improve the SBMC on ways to conduct and manage the school system with a view to taking over schools fro...
Post a Comment
Read more