With every new week comes a new twist in the intriguing probe into how $2.1 billion meant for procurement of firearms was allegedly looted.
More names are added to the ever burgeoning list of alleged beneficiaries of the largesse, leaving many mouths agape. ENCOMIUM Weekly brings you a weekly update on the unfolding drama…
FEBRUARY 18: EFCC AMENDS CHARGES AGAINST METUH AS ACCUSED FILES NO-CASE SUBMISSION
The EFCC on Thursday, February 18 filed an amended seven-count charge against under fire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, to which the accused pleaded not guilty.
While filing the fresh suit, Prosecuting Counsel, Sylvester Tahir said that the new charges are not “harmful” and will have no material effect on the earlier charges.
Earlier, the embattled PDP chieftain in opening his defence to the original charges against him filed a ‘no-case-submission’. In it, he prayed the court in line with section 302 and 357 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to discharge him and his firm on the ground that the EFCC did not establish a prima-facie case against the defendants.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, February 25 to allow Metuh defend his no case submission.
DOKPESI RE-ARRAIGNED BEFORE NEW JUDGE
The EFCC re-arraigned former Daar communications chairman, Raymond Dokpesi before a new judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, February 17. This re-arraignment follows the withdrawal of the case by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta from the former trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, and the subsequent transfer of the matter to Justice James Tsoho.
The trial could not begin as first scheduled to allow the matter start afresh as a result of the change in the presiding judge. Dokpesi, as he did during his earlier arraignment, denied the charges.
EFCC MOVES BADEH TO LAGOS
Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd) was on Wednesday, February 17 moved to Lagos from Abuja as investigation into the arms fund intensifies.
Badeh is being held for his involvement in contracts totalling $930.5m, which is thought to be part of the $2.1 billion meant for arms purchase.
Reports say that the relocation became necessary for the commission to identify some properties or business that might belong to retired military chief.
-MICHAEL NWOKIKE