– Some of the persons accused of complicity in the ongoing arms deal probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been fighting back through the instrument of law
– One of such persons is Nicholas Ashinze, a special assistant to the former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki
– Ashinze was released today on bail on the order of a high court sitting in Abuja
An Abuja High court in Jabi has rejected a counter affidavit filed by the EFCC in respect to prolonged detention of Ashinze and ordered for him to be released.
EFCC’s counsel J. A Ojogbane told the court that he was personally bereaved and could not make it to the court on the first hearing on the matter.
He also said that the legal officer who was supposed to file the counter affidavit for the commission was not available on the said day.
He further prayed the court to admit the counter affidavit from the first respondent, EFCC.
“Any person or body who desire to be heard and appears before the court as a proper party may be heard,” Ojogbane said.
Considering the application, the judge, Yusuf Halilu said justice is a three way matter.
Halilu said the application by the first respondent was brought in bad faith.
He also said there was no cause for the respondent to have sought to be allowed into the matter.
Ashinze is a serving Nigeria army colonel. He is alleged to have been involved in the $2.1 billion arms deal saga.
Ashinze had filed a suit against the EFCC, the Nigeria army and the chief of army staff for his detention since December 23, 2015.
He was said to have been held for eight weeks in an underground cell at the EFCC’s facility in Abuja and subsequently moved to a military cell.
The suit which was filed in February sought an order of the court for the immediate release of the applicant and a damage of N500 million.
Since the three respondents were absent on the day, Halilu having heard the arguments by the applicant’s counsel, Mike Ozehkome, the judge reserved ruling for today, March 14.
Just recently, the Nigeria army, chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai and the EFCC or their legal representatives were absent at the hearing of a suit against them by Ashinze.
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Court rejects application by EFCC, releases Dasuki’s aide
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