Posted by FELIX NWANERI on
ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday ruled out possible out of court settlement with the embattled former Inspector General of Police, Mr Tafa Balogun currently on trial over alleged graft and theft.
ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday ruled out possible out of court settlement with the embattled former Inspector General of Police, Mr Tafa Balogun currently on trial over alleged graft and theft.
Its chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, however, said his commission will not oppose any bargaining plea made by Balogun before the court.
Counsel to Balogun, Mr Musiliu Olawale had last Thursday hinted of moves to settle his client's trial out of court when he announced the withdrawal of a suit instituted by Balogun against the EFCC.
Reacting to the claim however, Ribadu insisted that any settlement between the EFCC and the former police boss would be done in court.
His words, "there is no settlement out of court. Any settlement will be in court. We have prosecuted the case, it is now left for the court to decide."
Ribadu, who also reacted to insinuations in some quarters that the EFCC is being used by the Presidency to witchhunt perceived opposition, dismissed such insinuations, vowing that the on-going war against corruption and other related offences is a continuous one.
"EFCC is always for justice and justice is in the interest of our people and country. Things must be done the way they should be done. We have started this war, it is going to be continuous one.
"We don't want to reduce what we are doing to individuals alone. We are investigating the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and we are going to present the report to the president.
"If they are playing politics, let them play it, we don't want to be dragged into it. In doing this type of job, some people would want to drag you into settling scores but we do our job with facts and figure and don't believe in rumour," the EFCC boss explained.
He also described achievements of the commission in combatting Advance Fee Fraud (419) as phenomenal, especially with successful prosecution of some kingpins.
"Our achievements in 419 cases are phenomenal. One of those involved in the biggest 419 case in the world (referring to Emmanuel Nwude, convicted last week) has bagged a 25-year jail term and entire money involved recovered.
"Today, we have gotten about 20 convictions. Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for frraudsters. This is a very significant development, he further said, disclosing that two state governors are also presently facing trial over alleged involvement in money laundering.