The Federal High Court in Abuja Monday threw out charges of non-declaration of assets leveled against former Nigeria deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu for lack of diligent prosecution.
The charge was filed by the defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of public property.
After disbanding the panel, the federal government handed all cases being handled by it to the office of Attorney General of the Federation.
Though, a counsel from the office of Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Mr. Pius Akuta announced appearance, Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that the prosecution is at liberty to re-file the charge when they are ready.
Nyako noted that if the Attorney General of Federation had difficulties taking over the prosecution of the criminal case against the former deputy Senate President, the AGF knows what to do.
She held that the Court would not make an order against the defunct panel or an individual over the case file which the prosecution counsel said they have difficulty retrieving.
Akuta had earlier in his submission opposed the motion by the defendant counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) that the charge be struck out .
He also opposed an indefinite adjournment but prefers a short adjournment.
Earlier when the matter was called, Chief Awomolo (SAN) insisted that his objection to the competent of the charge and jurisdiction of the Court should be determined first.
But Justice Nyako declined the defendant counsel’s request.
She said until Ekweremadu is in the dock and counsel announced appearance, the court would not take step on the matter.
The Presidential Special Committee on Recovery of Public Property had in May 2018 charged Senator Ekweremadu for false declaration of assets.
Meanwhile, Justice Nyako refused the defendant counsel application seeking to strike out the suit two other consolidated suits bordering on forfeiture of Senator Ekweremadu’s 22 properties
She said that the consolidated suits was for mention and has since been adjourned to April 28, 2020.
