The Federal High Court in Jalingo on has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 72 hours to return the sum of N228m it confiscated from the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Taraba State, Alhaji Sani Danladi, former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Joel Ikenya, and former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Mark Useni.
The three defendants were charged by the EFCC with conspiracy and misappropriation of the sum of N450m presidential campaign fund in 2015.
In his ruling, Justice Stephen Pam, gave the order on the premise that the EFCC failed to substantiate their claims against the defendants.
Read also: Supporters threaten unpeaceful elections if Ambode is impeached
The court also noted that anti-graft agency failed to furnish the court with substantive evidence against the defendants, urging the commission to desist from infringing on the rights of innocent citizens.
The judge said, “The prosecution did not provide this court with concrete evidence to nail the defendants.
“The EFCC is hereby ordered to refund the sum of N228m, which the commission received from the defendants.
Expressing his delight, Ikenya applauded the court for giving room for the rule of law to prevail in the case.