The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicated intent to appeal the ruling of Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, which today dismissed the 10-count charge of corruption brought against a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal.
As reported by Theliberationnews, Lawal, his younger brother, Hamidu David Lawal, Suleiman Abubakar and Apeh John Monday were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside two companies, Rholavision Engineering (fifth defendant) and Josmon Technologies (sixth defendant) on amended 10-count charge, bordering on fraud, diversion of funds and criminal conspiracy to the tune of over N544million.
Delivering the judgment today, Justice Agbaza held that the Commission which presented 11 witnesses in the course of the trial, could not convincingly to establish the ingredients of the alleged offence. He maintained that EFCC did not establish that Babachir Lawal was either a member of the Presidential Initiative for North East PINE that awarded the contract or a member of the Ministerial Tenders Board that vetted and gave approval to the disputed contract.
However, discontented with the judgment, the EFCC has shown indication that it will obtain a copy of the judgment for urgent review and challenge its validity at the appellate court.
