the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it will appeal the judgment of the court that acquitted Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and others in the N544 million contract fraud offences.
The Commission announced this in a post on its Twitter handle on Friday evening. It noted that it will obtain a copy of the judgment for urgent review and challenge its validity in the appellate court.
remember that last Friday, Justice Charles Agbaza discharged and acquitted the ex-SGF and others of the 10-count criminal charges filed against them by the anti-graft agency.
How the judge ruled: The decision on the no-charge submission of the ex-SGF, the court ruled that no ingredients of any offense were committed by the 11 witnesses presented by the EFCC.
The court held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused therefore, they were discharged and acquitted.
Meanwhile, the EFCC’s reaction to the decision said:
- “The EFCC is appealing the decision of Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, which today dismissed the 10-count corruption case brought against a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal .
- “But not satisfied with the decision, the EFCC has indicated that it will obtain a copy of the judgment for immediate review and challenge its validity at the court of appeal.”
What you need to know: The Ex-SGF was arraigned together with his younger brother Hamidu David Lawal, Suleiman Abubakar, and Apeh John Lunes, and two companies, Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd.