Ekweremadu challenges FG’s move to seize houses

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear the suit seeking to seize his 22 houses.

In a motion filed by his lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) yesterday, Ekweremadu said the matter relates to asset declaration of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which only the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) could try.

He argued that the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, which filed the interim forfeiture application before the court, is an illegal body, saying it was not established by an Act of the National Assembly.

He further stated that the panel was not gazetted in any publication in the Federal Government of Nigeria Gazette, and inaugurated by the President and Commander-in-Chief.

“This sole panel has no power to receive complaints, investigate and initiate criminal proceedings against the respondent concerning issues of Assets by a public officer,” he said.

But counsel to the Federal Government, Bala Dakum argued that Ekweremadu has no right to be heard since the matter was brought ex parte, adding that the submission is a “delay tactics.”

He said the Federal Government filed the motion to prevent Ekweremadu “from dissipating the assets in question whilst investigations are ongoing.”

Justice Binta Nyako has adjourned the April 26 for ruling. suit to