Detaining Jonathan’s cousin without trial is irresponsible, court tells EFCC

Justice Goodluck Olasunbor of the Abuja high court, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being irresponsible for detaining Azibaola Roberts, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, for over 65 days without trial. 

Roberts was taken in by the EFCC on March 23, for allegedly diverting $40 million meant for securing oil pipelines contract.

Ruling on an application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights, Olasunbor rebuked the EFCC for disobeying the court’s production warrant served it on March 19, 2016 and said the 65 day detention of Robert without trial is reprehensible and anarchy.

“Rather than to comply with the production order, the respondent (EFCC) willfully and knowingly side-stepped this court’s production warrant by releasing the applicant (Roberts) to security operatives, who allegedly took the applicant to Lagos on the same day and time the respondent was required to present the applicant before this court,” Olasunbor said.

“As an organisation that is set-up to enforce compliance with the law, the respondent must lead by example.

“The conduct of the respondent is condemnable. It undermines the integrity of the court and portends anarchy. No person being a natural or juristic person is greater than the court. All persons are subordinates to the rule of law.

“It is hoped that this rude conduct will never repeat itself. Let nobody pull the wool over the face of this court.”