 |
| Federal High Court Jos Division |
Goje vs EFCC: Federal Govt drops charges
against 4th defendant
By Dickson Gupiya
January 26, 2019
The
Federal Government on Friday dropped its charges against late Sabo Mohammed
Tamu. Late Tamu was the 4th defendant in a case involving Danjuma
Goje, the former Governor of Gombe state who is standing trial with four others at the Federal
High Court Jos Division on a 21 count charge bordering on money laundering and
misappropriation of funds.
When
the case file was called, defence counsel, Chris Uche (SAN) informed the court
on the demise of Tamu as a result of ghastly motor accident.
“It
is with very heavy heart that we want to report to my Lord the death of the 4th
defendant. He was involved in an accident and died on the spot. We have
received his dead certificate and Police report to that effect. We have shown
the document to our colleagues and we respectfully apply to tender same”.
Responding,
Prosecution Counsel, Wahab Shittu said they also received the demise of the
decease with heavy heart and extends on behalf of the Prosecution their
condolence. “It is with heavy heart for us on the side of prosecution to
express our condolence. I have heard his demise, but it was not official, but
now that it is confirmed officially, I would say it is indeed, very sad. Each time a citizen dies, it diminishes the spirit of the state. I convey our condolence to other defendants”.
Prosecution counsel further noted that it was also not a policy or norm of any
responsible state in the world to proceed with the prosecution of the death. “The
duty I have now is to apply for the withdrawal of the charges against the 4th
defendant so that his soul can rest in peace. On this note, I formally apply
for the withdrawal of charges against the 4th defendant” said
prosecution counsel. Justice Babatunde Quadiri consequently, struck out the
charges against the 4th defendant.
Post a Comment