Court grants EFCC leave to amend charges against Babachir

Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

Justice Jude Okeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama on Monday granted leave to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend the charge in the trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and three others, over alleged N544 million fraud.

The court granted the leave after an application was made by EFCC counsel, Mr. Ufom Uket to add the company, Josmon Technologies Limited, in count 6, 9 and 10.

The former SGF was arraigned on Feb. 12 alongside Hamidu Lawal, a director in his company, Sulaiman Abubakar, staff in the company and Apeh Monday, managing director Josmon Technologies Limited and Rholavision Engineering Limited.

Also, the judge granted the prayers of the defense counsel and ordered that the defendants continue in the existing bail conditions. In addition, he said since the defense counsel complained of the effects of the prosecution amending the charge he would grant an adjournment.

Justice Okeke further adjourned until April 11 for commencement of trial.

Earlier, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) counsel for Lawal, said he was not opposing the application. He said the prosecution ought to have filed a fresh charge and further said that the amendment would affect the commencement of trial.

Mr. D.N Idoko, counsel for the second and third defendants, and Mr. Ocholi Okutekpa for the fourth and sixth defendants as well as Mr. Mercel Oru for the fifth defendant all aligned with Olujimi.

All the defense counsel also prayed the court to allow the defendants continue to enjoy the existing bail conditions after they took their plea on the amended charge.

Our reporter recalls that the EFCC dragged the accused persons to court on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful award of contract to companies Lawal had interest in at the sum of N544 million.