EFCC rearrests Akingbola, as Jonathan sacks judge over his trial

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said it has re-arrested former managing director of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), Mr Erastus Akingbola. In a press statement released to the media on Monday, the EFCC stated that Mr Akingbola “is currently being held at the commission’s facility in Ikoyi, Lagos, preparatory to his arraignment today (Tuesday), before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court on fresh charges of stealing.” The commission noted that the planned re-arraignment “is sequel to the elevation of the former trial judge, Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Lagos High Court to the Court of Appeal.” The Commission has also arrested the son of former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, Mustapha Audu and his wife, Zahrah Audu over an alleged property scam to the tune of N18million. A statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren read in part: “The duo through their company, constructors Guild Limited, obtained the sum from one Nike Kolawole under the guise of helping her secure choice properties in Katampe Extension, and Caemly Estate, Idu Sabo, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. “They will be arraigned at Federal High Court 12, Maitama, Abuja.” Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the recommended compulsory retirement of Justice Charles Efanga Archibong over the handling of the corruption trial of Akingbola. The National Judicial Council recommended his sack and suspended him. A statement issued by council’s spokesperson, Soji Oye stated that “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the compulsory retirement of Hon. Justice Charles Efanga Archibong of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division with immediate effect. “The approval is sequel to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council at its emergency meeting which was held on Wednesday 20th February, 2013 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON. “The President has also on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, approved the extension of the appointment of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, OFR, pursuant to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.” Meanwhile, the Ogun State Youth Forum has commended President Jonathan for approving the NJC’s recommendation for compulsory retirement of Justice Archibong, the judge, who gave the judgment that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) premised its decision of February 15, 2013 on.