In a significant development, Justice Abubakar Hussaini Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court took a decisive step on Thursday, January 25, 2024, by vacating a previously issued order directing the Inspector-General of Police to apprehend Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This move followed allegations of Olukoyede’s non-compliance with a court ruling instructing EFCC operatives to vacate a property located at Number 6, Aso Drive, Abuja.
The court’s decision was influenced by the compelling arguments put forth by EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who asserted that Olukoyede, as an officer of the law and an advocate for the rule of law, could not have deliberately flouted the court’s directive. Oyedepo underscored Olukoyede’s dedication to enhancing professionalism and promoting accountable conduct within the EFCC.
During the proceedings, Oyedepo assured the court, stating, “I am here to assure my Lord that Mr. Ola Olukoyede, now the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, appointed and confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on October 18, 2023, and a seasoned legal practitioner, may not knowingly disobey the court’s order.” He further sought the court’s understanding to dismiss the contempt proceedings, pledging to address and resolve all pertinent issues between the involved parties.
In a show of cooperation, Defence Counsel, Adeyemi Pitan, did not raise objections to Oyedepo’s submissions.
Responding to the presented arguments, Justice Musa expressed awareness that the EFCC Chairman might not have been informed of the situation, stating, “I knew that the EFCC Chairman was not aware of this, that is why I want the Chairman to come.” Consequently, the court proceeded to vacate the contempt order and absolve Olukoyede of the contempt proceedings.
The court set February 7, 2024, as the date for the hearing of the substantive suit, providing a future platform for the resolution of the underlying issues in the ongoing legal dispute.
