Court rejects Rickey Tarfa’s application to annul EFCC charges

– Court has dismissed Rickey Tarfa’s bid to quash charges filed against him by the anti-graft agency

– One hundred and thirty six lawyers appeared in court for the defendant

A Lagos state high court in Igbosere has rejected the application of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Rickey Tarfa, to annul 27 charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and decline jurisdiction on the case.

Recall that the prominent lawyer was arraigned in March for making false statements, offering gratification to a public official, refusing to declare his assets and preventing EFCC operatives from effecting arrest of two other suspects.

Announcing his decision Justice A. A. Akintoye  said: “This Court has a jurisdiction to entertain the charges on this matter. The prayer of the applicant asking for an order on jurisdiction to entertain charges on this matter is hereby dismissed. 

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The prayer of the applicant asking for an order to quash charges laid before the court is hereby dismissed. 

The prayer of the applicant asking the court to restrain EFCC operatives, staffs, agents, or any person whatsoever to investigate and prosecute the defendant is hereby refused. The applicant’s motion on notice on 10th March, 2016 is hereby dismissed accordingly.”

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One hundred and thirty six lawyers, 40 of whom are senior advocates of Nigeria, defend Mr Tarfa in court. The the matter was adjourned till 20 and 27 May, 2016 for commencement of trial and further hearing.

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