EFCC might re-open ex-Governor’s N100b fraud case

chika ebuzor

November 28, 2016 7:36 AM

Justice Buba granted Odili’s request for an injunction restraining the EFCC from probing alleged corrupt practices during his tenure.

Former Governor of Rivers state- Dr. Peter Odili

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might re-open the N100b fraud investigation involving a former Governor of Rivers state, Peter Odili.

According to reports, Justice Ibrahim Buba granted Odili’s request for an injunction restraining the EFCC from probing alleged corrupt practices during his eight year tenure as Governor.

The anti-graft agency had earlier expressed hope that the ex-Governor’s case would be re-opened in 2015, because the Criminal Justice Administration Act removed every hindrance to the prosecution of corrupt officials.

Speaking on the issue, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, revealed that the lawmakers will amend the EFCC Act.

According to Vanguard, Utazi said the Act, if amended, will empower the anti-graft agency to go after ex-Governor Odili.

The Senator made this comment while responding to a plea by the South-South coordinator of EFCC, Ishaq Salihu, asking the lawmakers to help him re-open Odili’s case.

Salihu said “The perpetual injunction of Odili is a problem for us. Because of that injunction, it means we cannot invite anybody related to the case to give any testimony.”

Responding, Utazi said “The House of Representatives has done its bit on the amendment of EFCC Act. It has come to us. The amendments effected in the House of Representatives were not exhaustive. We are going to look into this (issuance of perpetual injunction) issue with a view to correcting it.

“Nobody should stop an organ of government from performing its duties. We want to empower them (EFCC) to work. They cannot work with one hand tied to the back.

‘’We are going to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the rule of law. Nobody should be shortchanged.”

ALSO READ:

Dr. Peter Odili was the Governor of oil rich Rivers state from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007.

chika ebuzor