EFCC PRESS RELEASE
The arraignment of Timipre Marlin Sylva, former governor of
Bayelsa State and six others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC before Justice A. Y Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja
could not go on today.
Though the ex-governor was present in court, counsel to the
third accused person, Chukwuma Ochu told the court that he has a pending motion
before the court which seeks the disqualification of the prosecution counsel,
Rotimi Jacobs, SAN from standing as counsel in this matter for breach of the
rules of the legal profession. “The
motion touches on the integrity of the prosecution and the law requires that
such a motion should be decided before this matter can go on”, Ochu stated.
Responding, Jacobs told the court that he received the
motion yesterday (March 19) and he immediately responded by filing a counter
affidavit and a written address to it this morning. He said the action of the
defence is a calculated attempt to delay the matter. “My lord, we see that the
intention of this applicant is just to buy time. The applicant did not give us
sufficient time to respond to his application. As officers of the court, I have
the duty to argue it before my lord, that I am not professionally negligent.
The application touches on my integrity and I cannot be disqualified without
being found guilty of the offence he alleged,” Rotimi stated.
Justice Mohammed consequently adjourned the case to May 16,
2014 for hearing on the motion.
Sylva’s arraignment is sequel to fresh evidence linking him
with a bouquet of fraudulent transactions that borders on money laundering
during his tenure as governor of Bayelsa State between 2009 and 2012.
It will be recalled that the ex-governor was picked up by
EFCC operatives in his mansion at Maitama in Abuja on Wednesday, May 8, 2013
and was granted administrative bail on May 9. 2013.
The other accused persons are Francis Okuburo, Gbenga S.
Balogun, Samuel Ogbuku, Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited
and Haloween Blue Construction and Logistics Limited.
They are to be prosecuted on a 42-count amended charge.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
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