Court grants EFCC permission to tender more evidence in trial of ex-minister's aide
Omokore was arraigned alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, and David Mbanefo, on an amended nine-count charge of diversion of money.
Nigeria’s former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Recommended articles
![Here’s why increase in electricity tariff won’t affect you [Channels TV]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Here’s why increase in electricity tariff won’t affect you [Channels TV]")
In his ruling, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, held that having evaluated the arguments in the application to provide more evidence and going by the amended charge filed by the prosecution, there is no doubt that they are offences which gave the court jurisdiction.
The court held that the essence of practice direction is not intended to take away jurisdiction of the court, even when it had been granted the jurisdictions.
“Section 379 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the prosecution can at any time before judgment file additional evidence, as the law is trite on this.
ADVERTISEMENT
“That section does not contain any restriction as to admission of additional evidence, nor does it say that it is only evidence that is placed that can be review”, the court held.
The Judge said that where additional evidence is brought by the prosecution, the approach is not for the defence to seek for the charge to be dismissed.
” It is for the defendant to seek for more time and this is not what the defendant has asked of the court."
Counsel to Membere (the fifth defendant), Folabi Uti, had argued that in respect of the new proof of evidence being filed, there was need for the defendant to approach the court for interpretation.
He argued that the prosecution should not allow a year after charging the defendant and after presenting two witnesses to bring additional proof of evidence.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The prosecution has concluded investigation that is why the defendant is in court, bringing more evidence means when the charge was filed, investigation was still on-going,” he said.
In his argument, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said the purpose of “front loading” and serving the defence is to enable them prepare.
The alleged diverted money was said to be part of the proceeds from the sale of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.
Two of Omokore’s companies, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited, and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited, were also joined as defendants.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details
Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building
NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products
Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves
FG sets up committee to compensate landowners affected by Lagos-Calabar road project
Kano Gov remains a bona fide member of our party - NNPP debunks suspension
We need ₦3.2trn to pay electricity subsidy in 2024 - FG
Tinubu's proactive approach to security threats yielding results, Ribadu claims
You will not walk alone - Gov Oyebanji assures late APC chairman’s family
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
