Posted by By GODWIN TSA, Abuja on
Embattled former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, has withdrawn the suit he filed against the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the criminal proceedings initiated against him by the commission.
Embattled former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, has withdrawn the suit he filed against the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the criminal proceedings initiated against him by the commission.
Balogun who is facing a 149 count-charge in two Abuja courts bordering on money laundering, corruption among others, is negotiating with the EFCC on the possibility of settling out of court.
Though no reasons were given for the withdrawal which was not opposed by counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, Daily Sun reliably gathered that the move may not be unconnected with the on-going talks between Balogun and the EFCC to settle the matter out of court.
In the suit against the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, the former IGP contended that, the secret investigation carried out by the defendants on his private life and official responsibilities without his knowledge, constituted a breach of his rights, and were, therefore, unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
Balogun who is challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC Act, argued that it was only the Code Of Conduct Tribunal that had the powers to try him.
He contended further that his arraignment before the court for offences contrary to section 27 [3] [c] of the EFCC Act, 2004, is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
Balogun accordingly asked the court for an order setting aside and nullifying the investigations of crimes against him since June 2004 to April 2005, being a contravention of his right to fair hearing preserved by section 36 of the 1999 constitution.
He further prayed the court through his counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) to strike out the criminal charges against him on the ground that the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter of the charges under section 251 of the 1999 constitution.
Also arraigned with him are eight companies believed to be used by Balogun to invest his alleged stolen wealth. They include Yeboa Investment Limited, Caledonian Telecommunications Ltd, Renovations Constructions Ltd, Aworo Investment Ltd, Olatrade Ltd, Yeboa Nigeria Ltd, Ceejay Properties Nigeria Ltd etc.