Justice Ngwuta trial: FG engaged new prosecution counsel

Following the dramatic withdrawal of the International Criminal Court (ICC) lawyer, Charles Adeogun-Philips, from the prosecution of Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta at the Federal High Court Abuja the on Monday, the federal government has engaged a new counsel, Mrs. Olufemi Fatunde.

Sequel to an application made by the new prosecution counsel, Mrs. Fatunde, prayed the court at the resumed trial for a short adjournment to enable her go through the case file.

Fakunle told the court that she was briefed about the matter few days ago after she was informed that the matter was for re-examination.

She told the court that for her to carry out a successful re-examination, she will require a short time to study the case file and subsequently interview the witness before taking further steps.

“I know this is not a bid to slow the space but as a matter of necessity, I will be obliged if my application is considered,” she added.

The application was not objected by the defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN.

The trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, subsequently adjourned the trial to March 16 and 17 for continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that Adeogun-Philips engaged for the high profile corruption case due to his wide experience in criminal matters from the ICC announced his dramatic withdrawal from the case.

Adeogun-Philips did not give reasons in the open court why he was withdrawing from the case but told The Daily Times in an interview that he was dissatisfied with the withdrawal of the N2.2 billion fraud charge against the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and two others. The Attorney General of the Federation said yesterday that Adeogun-Philips was sacked.

Justice Ngwuta is one of the judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), on October 8, 2016 over allegations of bribery and professional misconduct.

He was arraigned before Justice John Tsoho of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and professional misconduct.

The federal government accused Ngwuta of illegally retaining, in his possession, N35.4 billion contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and that he reserved in his custody $319,596 and 25,915 pounds sterling.

The prosecution also claimed that the monies were part of the proceeds of unlawful act contrary to the Money Laundering Act. It went further to allege that four diplomatic passports, one official and two standard Nigerian passports all having the name of the defendant on them, were found during DSS search of his home on October 7 and 8.
The prosecution has so far called one witness to testify against Justice Ngwuta.