back to top

Court adjourns Cable Foundation’s Abacha loot suit against AGF till Feb 28

 

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned hearing of a suit filed against the Attorney General of the federation (AGF) by the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF) to February 28, according to The Cable.

The foundation had sued the AGF over his failure to respond to a freedom of information (FoI) request on the engagement of lawyers for the recovery of the $321 million stolen by Sani Abacha, former military ruler.

In the suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/27/2018, the foundation is seeking an order of mandamus to compel the AGF to provide details on the impending repatriation of Abacha loot.

The foundation had sought to know the reason behind the engagement of another set of lawyers to do a job that had already been completed by Erico Mofreni, a Swiss lawyer engaged by Nigeria since 2000.

In 2016, Oladipo Okpeseyi, a senior advocate, and Temitope Isaac Adebayo, were engaged to do the job, which the Swiss lawyer had already done.

It also requested a copy of the 2014 agreement that led to the withdrawal of the prosecution of Mohammed Abacha, son of the late military ruler.

At the court on Tuesday, Gabriel Kolawole, the judge handling the case, adjourned hearing on the matter after it granted the foundation leave to apply for a judicial review.

The application was moved by Ayodele Kusamotu, counsel to the foundation.




     

     

    Kolawole ordered the foundation to serve the office of the AGF the motion on notice within five days.

    Read Also:

    “The applicant shall with five days serve defendant motion on notice. This is pursuant to order 34, rule 3 paragraph 3,” the judge said.

    There was no legal representation for the AGF at the court.

    On the adjourned date, the AGF is expected to explain the reason behind his refusal to provide the information sought by the foundation at 11:50 am.

    Chikezie can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @KezieOmeje

    Join the ICIR WhatsApp channel for in-depth reports on the economy, politics and governance, and investigative reports.

    Support the ICIR

    We invite you to support us to continue the work we do.

    Your support will strengthen journalism in Nigeria and help sustain our democracy.

    If you or someone you know has a lead, tip or personal experience about this report, our WhatsApp line is open and confidential for a conversation

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here


    Support the ICIR

    We need your support to produce excellent journalism at all times.

    -Advertisement-

    Recent

    - Advertisement