The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has distanced itself from a police lawyer, Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Mohammed, who filed a criminal charge against former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah.
The EFCC clarified that Mohammed was not authorized to file criminal charges against Mrs. Oduah, who represents Anambra North in the Senate.
During the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, EFCC’s counsel, Heleen Okonofua, informed Justice James Omotoso that Mohammed, who claimed to be from the Legal Department of the Force Headquarters, was not authorized by the anti-graft agency to represent it in prosecuting Mrs. Oduah for any criminal matter.
The counsel revealed that Mohammed was previously with the EFCC but was de-seconded back to the Police on November 4, 2022, and has had no involvement with the EFCC since then.
Heleen Okonofua also informed the Court that the criminal charge, filed on June 22, 2023, by the Police lawyer in the name of EFCC, was not authorized or approved by the agency.
Justice Omotoso had earlier handed over the police lawyer to the EFCC on Tuesday, July 11, for filing frivolous criminal charges against the former Minister in the name of EFCC.
The Judge noticed flaws in the charges and questioned the police lawyer about whether he had the authority from the EFCC to file them, to which he answered negatively.
Mohammed, who appeared incoherent while responding to the Judge’s questions, admitted to errors in using the name of EFCC to file the charges, explaining that he is human and prone to mistakes.
In light of the situation, Justice Omotoso fixed October 4, 2023, for the EFCC to officially submit the report of their investigation regarding the police lawyer’s actions. The report of the findings will be filed at the Registry of the Court and made available to the court thereafter.
