CONDUCT BUREAU THREATENS TO EXTRADICT RIBADU

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) yesterday said that it might be compelled to begin extradition process against the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the account of his refusal to appear before the conduct tribunal.

The prosecution counsel, Ahmed Kyari, made the remark while responding to Ribadu's counsel, Femi Falana, who said Ribadu could not be tried in absentia under the laws.

He said the prosecution “knows there is a procedure for bringing him into the country. We know we are going to do it at the appropriate time”.

Ribadu is accused of alleged failure to declare his asset as required of a public servant while in office.

Justice Constance Momoh led-tribunal had on April 30 ordered him to appear on Wednesday to take his plea.

The prosecution argued that an accused is allowed to be served through a substituted means under Criminal Procedure Code Act, CAP 491, Laws of the Federation, Abuja, 1990. He referred to Section 52 of the Act.

But Falana who countered his submission said Section 52 of the CPC Act provides that an originating process may be served on a male adult in a household if the accused is not available.

He said the process was served on Ribadu's wife so the service was not proper therefore his client could not be made to appear on a faulty.