TRACKING_____Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court Abuja has ordered the EFCC and her witness to go back and tidy their prosecution job.
This order was given during the trial of Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa State. The EFCC had earlier brought forth a 43-count charge bordering on money laundering worth ₦1.35 Billion Naira.
The judge told EFCC that her cheques were not tallying with the figures, and that it was obvious they didn’t rehearse with the witness. She further said that if EFCC repeated such an untidy job by presenting a witness who is apparently confused with the entire case, she’d have no option but to leave him to the mercy of Lamido’s Defense team.
The judge decided to adjourn the case till February 20, so as to ensure that the prosecution would place their facts in order.
Why this seems like a bold move, it however seems ridiculous that a judge would wait for a party who presented contradicting evidence to return back. It even admitted some of the inconclusive cheques as evidence.
This shows that despite the saving face actions of many Federal judges, there’s still a huge influence of the executive arm on the judges. The judges rarely deliver judgements in favour of those who are on the bad side of the government.
It’s only when the judges come out of this shadow, and deliver clear judgements without fear or favour, that this nation can move forward.
