Judge blasts agency, says its displaying 'too much power'

dimeji akinloye

March 23, 2016 7:23 PM

Wolfgang had sued the anti-graft agency for detaining him since December 2015 without trial.

Men of the EFCC

Justice

Justice Affen stated this in reaction to the display of 'ego' by the EFCC counsel, Ibrahim Audu, in a case involving an Austrian security contractor, Wolfgang Wolfgang.

Wolfgang had sued the anti-graft agency for detaining him since December 2015 without trial. He is being held in connection with the trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

According to PRNigeria, Wolfgang’s lawyer, Afam Osigwe, had approached the federal capital territory high court for the enforcement of his client’s fundamental rights, but at the hearing of the matter, the EFCC 's lawyer, Audu, told the court that the agency never detained the plaintiff.

The anti-graft agency asked the court to dismiss the suit for gross incompetence and for lack of jurisdiction, arguing that there was no evidence to show that it arrested Wolfgang.

Justice Affen, who was dissatisfied by the EFCC counsel's use of words slammed the agency. He said Audu was attempting to intimidate the court.

“You are in court, and I am the dominis litis here. This is not EFCC office. You must comport yourself. The problem is that you people (EFCC) have too much physical power and you carry it to everywhere you go,” he said.

“This is not a motor park and you must not be throwing your hands anyhow and be shouting. When you come before me, you will never remain the same. You owe the court a duty of deference. Leave your policeman or EFCC powers at the door. Didn’t they teach you that in law school?,” he fumed.

The judge said the accused has the right to sue the EFCC.

READ: Dasuki refused to be brought to court, EFCC tells Judge

Wolfgang is asking the court to declare that his arrest and detention by EFCC since the December 28, 2015 is unlawful, unconstitutional, illegal and a violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed by section 35(1) & (4) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

He is also asking the court to award a cost of N2bn against the EFCC for aggravated damages.

dimeji akinloye