Ex-President’s cousin sues EFCC chairman

A cousin to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Azibaola Robert has taken the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu to court for refusing to release him from custody.

High Court judge, Justice Olasunbo Goodluck had, on Thursday, April 7, 2016, ordered the EFCC to release Robert after describing his detention for more than two weeks as unconstitutional.

“This is regrettable, considering the fact that the government is one that has stated its commitment to respect for the rule of law and has pledged to prosecute the war against corruption within the ambit of the rule of law,” Robert’s lawyer, Gordy Uche said according to Vanguard.

“It must also be remembered that it is before the same courts of this country that your commission arraigns and will arraign suspects. We, therefore, request that you release our clients forthwith as ordered by the court.

“Permit us to add that we shall be compelled to commence committal proceedings before the court if the court’s order is not complied with in line with your commission’s motto that no one is above the law,” he added.

Robert’s lawyers are suing the EFCC chairman for contempt of court due to the agency’s continued detention of their client.

Robert, who is the Managing Director of Katakar Civil Engineering Company, was arrested along with one Dakoru Atukpa in connection with a $40 million contract scam.

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