The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says it will approach the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Court’s decision to quash the 16 count criminal charge of corruption and money laundering involving former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki.
Mr Turaki, alongside his special assistant, Sampson Okpetu, and two companies; Samtee Essentials Limited and Pasco Investment Limited, were arraigned by the EFCC in May 2020.
The commission reacting to the verdict said the trial judge erred in dismissing the testimonies of all 13 prosecution witnesses.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, in a ruling presided by Justice Inyang Ekwo, discharged and acquitted Mr Turaki on the no-case submission filed by the defence.
The judge added that the prosecution could not establish a prima facie case against them.
EFCC’s full statement:
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is to approach the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Court’s decision to quash the 16 count criminal charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N715million brought against a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Kabiru Taminu Turaki, SAN, and three Others.
In a ruling delivered today Justice Inynag Ekwo upheld the no-case submission by the defendants. He held that it was unnecessary to ask the defendants to enter their defence, describing the evidence presented by the prosecution witnesses as tainted. He also stated that the fact that the prosecution did not honour the Attorney General’s request for information regarding the case file vitiated the charge.
However, the Commission says the trial judge erred in dismissing the testimonies of all twelve prosecution witnesses and has resolved to file a notice of appeal at the appellate court, to set aside the ruling by Justice Ekwo.