The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akwa Ibom State has revealed that the state government obtained a court injunction that prevents the anti-graft agency from prosecuting suspected corrupt public officials. This announcement came from the Chief Prosecutor of the EFCC in Akwa Ibom State, DCC Takon Neji Ndifon.
According to Ndifon, the action of the Akwa Ibom State Government has significantly reduced the powers of the anti-graft agency in the state. High profile suspects, when invited and remanded by the EFCC would seek an ex-parte order to be released, which led to the agency resolving to the federal high courts instead, he added.
The Chief Prosecutor shared this information when the National Judicial Council on Corruption and Financial Crime Trial Monitoring Committee (NJC COTRIMCO) visited the Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot on Thursday. While commenting on the matter, Ndifon lamented that although the state judiciary is more economical, the state is against the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, however, said that the Judges who preside over EFCC or ICPC matters have not complained about any external influence. She added that there is a judicial precedent that an officer should not be stopped from performing their legal duties, encouraging the agency to wait for the judgment of the appeal court on the matter.
Justice Gabriel Etteh also shared his thoughts, revealing that a lack of commensurate enthusiasm from prosecuting agencies is frustrating the prosecution of criminal matters in Akwa Ibom State. Also, Justice Bassey Nkanang stated that the attitude of financial crime prosecutors most times leaves judges at crossroads, making it difficult for judges to conclude such matters.
The chairman of COTRIMCO, Justice Abimbola Ladipo, called on the state Chief Judge to have meetings with judges and prosecutors to identify and solve problems. He added that he had heard the prayers of each group and would channel them to the council for action.
