Court grants EFCC leave to arraign Alison-Madueke, Omokore

An FCT High Court, Apo on Monday, granted the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leave to arraign former petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and a former Chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling company, Olajide Omokore, on Feb. 25.

Alison-Madueke and Omokore, are to be arraigned on five counts bordering on conspiracy and illegal act of accepting and giving gratifications.

Trial judge, Justice Valentine Ashi, granted the EFCC leave, after the prosecution counsel, Mr Faruk Abdullahi  told the court that while investigations were on going,  the former minister left the country and is currently in the UK.

Justice Ashi, also ordered the EFCC to put its house in order.

He alleged that Alison–Madueke, refused to honour an invitation by the EFCC to appear at the commission.

The suspects, are to be arraigned for allegedly accepting and giving  gift  of   properties described as penthouse 22,Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi, and penthouse 21, building 5, block C, Banana Island, Lagos.

The EFCC said the alleged offence,  contravened the provisions of Sections 26(1) and 17 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences  Act, 2000.

The prosecutor, Mr Faruk Abdullahi  told the court that while investigations were on going,  the former minister left the country and is currently in the United Kingdom.

He  also said that on invitation by the EFCC Mrs  Madueke refused to honour the invitation but all process are set in place to ensure she comes back to face trial.

The counsel for the second defendant, Tayo Adeniyo SAN, told the court that his client was not served with the charges and his client was read to clear his name.

Credit: NAN