Pulse.ng : Kaduna High Court Nullifies EFCC's Actions, Orders Reopening of Defendant Accounts

By Our Reporter

An adjourned case by a Kaduna High Court of Justice on the hearing of the case between Surajo Jalli Gambo and Nagogo Shema Petroleum has been put in place by the court.

The case, which involves allegations of cheating and money laundering, has been ongoing, with both parties presenting their arguments before Justice D.H. Khobo.

According to reports, Nagogo Shema Petroleum filed a complaint with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Surajo Jalli Gambo, alleging that he had cheated the company out of some of its money.

Gambo, however, has denied the allegations and submitted himself to the EFCC for questioning.

Despite a court order restraining the EFCC from taking further action, the agency allegedly closed Gambo's bank accounts and seized his properties.

The court has since nullified these actions and ordered the EFCC to reopen Gambo's accounts and evacuate those occupying his properties.

Counsel for the defendant stated that the reason for filing the suit was not to defend the complainant or to cheat the defendant, but to reach an understanding.

He, however, said they along the line understood that some people were ill-advising the complainant that he only did not want his money, but to disgrace people.

"When the suit was instituted, the judge understood everything and advised us before the EFCC lawyer that we should go and meet to see possibilities of addressing the issues.

"We told the court that we have had such seating for settlement at the EFCC which we even agreed to unravel the total amount and agree to pay it, where the parties were happy and it even led to granting of bail", he said.

According to him, the parties were not invited, they only heard that they were reported to the EFCC. "They did not even wait for a summon letter. They went there themselves to prove that they did not cheat anybody".

Speaking further, the counsel said the judge gave an order restraining every action, but "To our surprise the wife of the defendant was arrested and her car seized, their account was also closed.

"The judge warned them of flaunting court orders," he said.

Speaking to newsmen at the last hearing, counsel to the defendant, said they were pleased with the judgement which nullified all the previous actions.

He said the court has ordered the accounts of the defendants to be opened, and evict those in occupancy of the properties.