Court Did Not Stop EFCC From Prosecuting Babalakin

SAN FRANCISCO, November 30, (THEWILL) - Contrary to reports by a section of the media, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not been stopped from arraigning Dr. Wale Babalakin by any court order. The ruling by Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court, Lagos which many have construed as a restraining order, merely GRANTED LEAVE to the applicant to apply for an order of prohibition preventing the EFCC and the Attorney General of the Federation from going ahead with his arraignment.

This was one of three prayers sought by Babalakin through an ex-parte application. But Justice Idris turned down the two other prayers, which included an order to restrain the respondents from prosecuting the applicant.

Their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction against the EFCC and the AGF is scheduled to be heard on December 12, 2012.

Babalakin was to have been arraigned on Thursday November 30 before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on money laundering charges but failed to show up, claiming sudden illness that necessitated his hospitalization at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

The businessman and four others : Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited and Remix Nigeria Limited are facing a 27-count charge for fraudulently transferring various sums of money on behalf of the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, through third parties to some foreign accounts under the guise of purchasing a Challenger Jet Aircraft.

Justice Onigbanjo has adjourned the case to December 12, 2012.