Court hears Ekweremadu’s objection to asset charges Feb 26

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing in the objection by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, challenging the asset fraud charges against him to February 26, 2019.

Justice Binta Nyako yesterday adjourned the case after listening to lawyers in the matter.

The Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) had in May filed charges of assets fraud against Ekweremadu, which it said is contrary and punishable under Section 3 (3) (1) of the Recovery of Public Properties Special Provisions Act, 2004.

In October, the SPIP filed fresh two-count charges against Ekweremadu and Senator Albert Akpan over alleged failure to declare their assets.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to SPIP, Calistus Ukpong, asked the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the appearance of Ekweremadu in court, arguing that he has deliberately refused to be arraigned was filed.

But counsel to Ekweremadu, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), argued that his appearance is not necessary for now since he is challenging the validity of the charge before the court and the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

Beside, Awomolo argued that it would be honourable for the panel to withdraw the charge in view of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on November 5, which voided its powers to prosecute. since the case