Nigeria: Babalakin challenges EFCC again

The Chairman of the Bi-Courtney Nigeria Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin, has reinstituted the suit, challenging the legality of the criminal charge slammed on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in November charged Babalakin with fraudulent transfer of N4.7 billion on behalf of former Governor James Ibori of Delta state.

Babalakin was arraigned on a 27-count charge before an Ikeja High Court with Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Ltd., Bi-Courtney Ltd. and Renix Nigeria Ltd.

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court on 14 December, struck out the suit in which Babalakin challenged the competence of EFCC to prosecute him.

However, Babalakin reinstituted the action with minor amendments and joined the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the federation as co-defendants.

He contended that the EFCC had no power to prefer the charge against him at the Lagos High Court without the fiat of the state Attorney-General.

Hearing in the suit will commence on 21 December.