Dismiss Keyamo’s suit against Atiku – EFCC, ICPC tell court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) of the Federal High Court Abuja to dismiss a suit by Festus Keyamo against Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The law enforcement agencies are asking Justice James Omotosho to throw out the suit by Keyamo who is seeking the prosecution of Atiku.

Keyamo asked the agencies to arrest Atiku over an audio recording released by his former aide, Michael Achimugu.

In the audio, Atiku was alleged to have explained how some organisations were set up to divert public funds.

In a letter addressed to the EFCC, ICPC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Keyamo gave the agencies 72 hours to begin the prosecution of the former vice president.

Keyamo also filed a suit asking the court for an order compelling PDP’s presidential candidate to submit himself to the agencies for a thorough investigation.

At the resumed hearing, counsel for the anti-graft agencies faulted the competence of the suit and prayed to the court for its dismissal.

According to them, Keyamo failed to comply with the requirements of the law in filing the suit.

They stated that he ought to have first obtained the leave of the court in seeking to compel an agency of the government to act and did not approach the agencies properly.

Benson Igbanoi, counsel to Atiku also faulted the competence of the suit and accused Keyamo of abusing office.

Igbanoi asked the court to decline jurisdiction among other grounds, that the plaintiff disclosed no cause of action.

Counsel for Keyamo prayed to the court to dismiss the objections raised by the defendants and proceed to hear the case on merit.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to June 5 for a ruling on the preliminary objections.

 47 total views