Wednesday 14 September 2011

FOREIGN ACCOUNTS: EFCC to testify against Tinubu

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is the star witness in the imminent prosecution of the former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, for allegedly operating and maintaining foreign accounts while in office between 1999 and 2007, the Nigerian Tribune  has learnt.
The prosecuting Code of Conduct Bureau is another major witness against the accused.
Two officers, one each from the two bodies (names withheld) have also been pencilled in to testify during the trial, though it was gathered that the witnessing personnel could increase in the course of the trial.
This information is contained in the witness list attached to the one count-charge against him.
However, the officer listed for the anti-corruption commission recently left its service, with a source revealing that he would be replaced soon.

Nigerian Tribune’s checks on Tuesday revealed that Tinubu’s legal team had not filed any process in respect of the charge, though there were rumours that the accused might approach a Lagos High Court for an interim order restraining the tribunal from docking him.
His legal team had also not filed any preliminary objection to either the charge or the planned arraignment on September 21, 2011.
It was learnt that the anti-corruption commission was central to the investigation of the alleged operation and maintenance of the 16 foreign accounts in collaboration with the CCB, which reportedly informed the prosecution to list the two bodies as the main witnesses in the pending trial.
Nigerian Tribune was told last night that the bureau, which would spearhead the prosecution through a private lawyer, Dr Alex Izinyon SAN, was likely to approach the anti-corruption commission for a very important piece of evidence on the matter before the end of the week.
The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice reportedly briefed the silk to handle the trial, though a lawyer from the bureau who handled the initial trial in May 2007 when Tinubu’s immunity stalled proceedings, is still likely to be a part of the prosecuting team.

Source: Nigerian Tribune

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