Court vacates contempt order against EFCC chairman

Justice Abubakar Hussaini Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Apo, Abuja, on Thursday, vacated the court’s earlier order, directing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for disobeying the ruling of the court directing operatives of the Commission  to vacate a property at Number 6, Aso Drive, Abuja.

A release signed by EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, made available to Tribune Online informed that judge vacated the order following a motion argued by counsel for the anti-graft agency, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, urging the court to vacate its order against Olukoyede in a contempt proceeding instituted against the chairman.

The Senior Advocate, according to Oyewale, argued that the chairman, being a lawyer of many years at the Bar could not have knowingly disobeyed the court.

“I am here to assure my Lord that Mr Ola Olukoyede who is now the Executive Chairman of  the EFCC, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 18 October, 2023 and being a legal practitioner of many years at the bar may not knowingly disobey the order of the court,” Oyedepo was quoted to have told the court.

While pleading with the court to vacate the contempt order against the chairman, Oyedepo assured that all the issues involved between the parties in the suit would be resolved. 

The defence counsel,  Adeyemi Pitan,  did not object to the submissions made by the senior advocate. 

In his ruling, Justice Musa upheld Oyedepo’s submission that Olukoyede is an officer of the law and respecter of the rule of law,  with fervent commitment towards moving the EFCC towards enhanced professionalism and accountable conducts and as such could not have willfully ignored or disobeyed the order of the court.

According to the judge, “I knew that the EFCC Chairman was not aware of this, that is why I want the Chairman to come.”  

He, thereafter, vacated the order and purged Olukoyede of the contempt proceedings.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till February 7 for hearing of the substantive suit.