FG withdraws charges against Abacha's son on the alleged N446.3b 'loot'

In a move that surprised many legal pundits, the Federal Government on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of the the criminal charge it filed against Mohammed Abacha, son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

The Federal Government, through a private lawyer, Daniel Enwelum announced the withdrawal before Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

Enwelum had filed a nine-count against Mohammed, accusing him of 'dishonestly receiving stolen property'.

The government also said Mohammed 'voluntarily assisted in concealing money' belonging to the state, estimated at N446.3 billion.

The government's efforts to arraign him on the charge were unsuccessful, as he failed to attend court on two occasions.

The son of the late dictator was however present in court on Wednesday, and eager He mounted the dock when the case was called.

Then, Enwelum informed the court about the directive he got from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) that he should discontinue the case.

According to him, 'I have been instructed by the AGF and Minister of Justice to withdraw the charges as presently filed before this court, because there are fresh facts and documents available to him.

'In this circumstance, he instructed me to file a notice of withdrawal without prejudice to future cause of action to be taken by his (AGF's) office.

'In the light of that, I have filed a notice of withdrawal, dated June 17, 2014. I humbly apply to withdraw the charges accordingly.'.

Defence lawyer Abdullahi Haruna did not object to the government's decision to withdraw the charge.

Justice Kolo granted the application to withdraw the matter.

He struck out the charge and discharged the accused.