Group charges supreme court judges on fairness

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC), a civic groups has commended the recent appeal court conviction of Peter Nwaoboshi, a senator from Delta state.

In July, an appellate court in Lagos convicted and sentenced the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly to seven years imprisonment for money laundering.

The court also ordered that his two companies, Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd, be wound up, in line with the provisions of Section 22 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2021.

The ruling was sequel to an appeal to challenge the judgement of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, which on June 18, 2018, discharged and acquitted Nwaoboshi of a two-count charge of fraud and money laundering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed charges against Nwaoboshi.

In a statement, the executive secretary of SHAC, Ibrahim Abubakar while addressing newsmen said, “There is need to reawaken the consciousness of the Supreme Court judges, this reawakening is about restoring lost confidence and justice for the people, a case like this brings hope to Nigerians that at last, judiciary is living up to its responsibilities, we have to commend the Appeal Court Judges for their boldness in not allowing themselves to be cowed.

“The EFCC knew the merit of the case and the Appeal Court was unanimous in their decision. We expect the Supreme Court to do the same and restore the lost confidence Nigerians have in the judiciary. Before the Supreme Court can entertain any matter that may be brought before it by the defendant, we expect Nwaoboshi to submit himself to the EFCC, else it would be an abuse of court process.

“The EFCC persistence is a good effort to show they are working; however, the job is not yet done, but the convict needs to be declared wanted as this is the way to go in fighting corruption. The Supreme Court affirmation of this would further restore the confidence Nigerians have in the court judges and the entire judiciary. We strongly believe the Supreme Court will put Nigeria first as they discharge their duty.”