Embattled Judge, Ofili-Ajumogobia denied release from EFCC custody
Embattled judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia has been denied immediate release from Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody during a ruling by the Federal High Court on Monday.
Ofili-Ajumogobia filed the ex-parte motion through her lawyer, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), seeking enforcement of her fundamental rights.
She was arrested and detained by the EFCC pending the conclusion of its investigation, for her alleged involvement in a fraud of about $793,800, which the commission claimed passed through the judge’s domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015.
The anti-graft agency accuses the judge of acquiring a house in London, without explaining the source of her wealth.
Ofili-Ajumogobia was also accused of receiving a gratification of N5m from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla, at a time when the SAN had a case before the judge.
Her lawyer, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) argued that the EFCC ought to have charged her to court if it had any case against her, rather than keep her in detention and continuously violate her fundamental rights in the process.
“The EFCC has the option to charge her to court but it has not done so. She has also stated that she is ready to defend herself vigorously against any charge that may be slammed on her,” Onigbanjo said.
“She is ready to deposit her passport and abide by any other conditions that the court may impose on her.
“There is no need, under the law, to continue to keep her in detention except to humiliate her because the offence is a bailable one.”
The presiding judge, Justice Muslim Hassan, however declined to grant Onigbanjo’s request, on grounds that it was only fair for the court to first hear from the EFCC. Hassan said he was of the view that the interest of justice would be better served if that was done.
Hassan directed Ofili-Ajumogobia, also a Federal High Court judge, to put the anti-graft agency on notice and fixed November 28 for further hearing on the case.
