Supreme court gives Rivers go-ahead to probe Amaechi over N96bn ‘fraud’

The supreme court has dismissed an appeal by Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, seeking to stop his probe in an alleged N96B fraud.

The apex court dismissed the appeal on the grounds that it lacks merit as Amaechi is neither on trial nor indicted for the alleged offence.

Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor, had set up a seven-man panel to probe Amaechi over alleged withdrawal of N96 billion from the state’s treasury during his tenure as governor.

The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel, and the contract award for the execution of Mono Rail Project.

Amaechi, who is currently in the presidential race, prayed the apex court to prohibit Wike from investigating his eight-year tenure as the governor of the state.

The former governor, represented by Lateef Fagbemi, predicated his opposition to the probe on the ground that it was aimed at witch-hunting him, embarrassing him, humiliating him and to as well disgrace him in view of his political differences with his successor.

However, delivering judgment on Friday, a seven-member apex court panel dismissed the appeal.

But the court held that the panel is not competent to indict Amaechi.

Adamu Jauro, who read the lead judgment in the Amaechi’s suit, said: “The appeal fails as it lacks merit.”

The court also asked the former minister to pay the respondents N1 million.