The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that it has re-arrested former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), Mr Erastus Akingbola and is being held at their detention facility in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The press statement from the anti-graft agency said that Akingbola is to be arraigned on fresh charges of stealing on Tuesday before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court.
The commission noted that the planned re-arraignment “is sequel to the elevation of the former trial judge, Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Lagos High Court to the Court of Appeal.”
The Commission also announced arrested the son of former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, Mustapha Audu and his wife, Zahrah Audu over their alleged involvement in an N18million property scam.
The spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwajuren, released a statement which said, “The duo through their company, constructors Guild Limited, obtained the sum from one Nike Kolawole under the guise of helping her secure choice properties in Katampe Extension, and Caemly Estate, Idu Sabo, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“They will be arraigned at Federal High Court 12, Maitama, Abuja.”
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan, acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, has approved the compulsory retirement of the former trial judge of Akingbola’s case, Justice Charles Efanga Archibong over the way he handled the case.
A statement issued by council’s spokesperson, Soji Oye stated that “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the compulsory retirement of Hon. Justice Charles Efanga Archibong of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division with immediate effect.
“The approval is sequel to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council at its emergency meeting which was held on Wednesday 20th February, 2013 under the chairmanship of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON.
Justice Archibong had just been suspended by the NJC while the final decision on their recommendation to President Jonathan was being awaited.
Justice Thomas Naron of the Plateau State High Court was suspended alongside Justice Archibong for his handling of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition involving former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and his sack recommended to the Plateau State Government. A decision from the state government is being awaited.
The council also announced that the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa has had her tenure extended by President Jonathan.
“The President has also on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, approved the extension of the appointment of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, OFR, pursuant to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Youth Forum has commended President Jonathan for approving the NJC’s recommendation for compulsory retirement of Justice Archibong, the judge, who gave the judgment that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) premised its decision of February 15, 2013 on.