Court Orders Release Of Ex-Bank PHB Boss’ Wife From EFCC Custody

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, this afternoon ordered that the wife of former MD of Bank PHB, Mrs. Elizabeth Atuche, who has been detained by operatives of the Econonomic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, since 3 May, 2011 should be released immediately.

While the counsel representing the husband, Chief Anthony Idigbe SAN, should serve the court process in respect of Frances Atuche on the EFCC.

The order of the court was sequel to an affidavit sworn to by a senior litigation officer, Mr. Mike Okoh and filed before the court by Anthony Idigbe, SAN.

The defendant averred that sometime in October 2009, Francis Atuche was arraigned and was admitted to bail. Consequently, an application was filed to quash the charge.

The court declined to quash the charge and an appeal was filed against the ruling of the court.

The appeal is still pending.

However, on 3 May, 2011, the residence of Atuche was raided by EFCC and the wife was taken to the EFCC office and has since been in detention.

Mr. Okoh averred that EFCC has concluded investigation in the charge against Francis Atuche but they are alleging that he is at large and are threatening to arrest him whereas he has never jumped bail.

The lawyer is now urging the court to order the release of Atuche’s wife forthwith and restrain EFCC from interrogating detaining or harassing their client.

—Akin Kuponiyi