The federal government is appealing against the decision of Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Abuja High Court which had earlier dismissed the corruption charges brought against the duo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Tayo Oyetibo SAN and Olawale Akoni SAN, lawyers to the two ex-lawmakers yesterday urged the court to throw away the appeal for lack of diligent prosecution.
The court was informed fundamental defects exist in the record of appeal.
Prosecution counsel Festus Keyamo argued that the notice of appeal was valid insisting that the mistake was from the Registrar of the FCT High Court who compiled the records.
Belgore had held that the prosecution (EFCC) did not bring a solid case against the two and ruled that they had no case to answer.
The controversial ruling set free the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Usman Bayero Nafada of complicity in the N40billion loan scam.
Belgore had told a bewildered courtroom that the actions of the duo were morally wrong but not criminal. He further stated that the offences of misapplication of public funds should be heaped on the clerk and not the former speaker of the house and his deputy.
Meanwhile the court has reserved its judgment in the matter.
Source: Daily Trust
No comments:
Post a Comment