EFCC Drags Fani-Kayode Before Lagos Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dragged former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Naija News understands the former Minister was dragged before the court presided by Justice O.O Abike-Fadipe over allegations of presenting a fake medical report.

This online medium gathered that the Fani-Kayode was presented in court by EFCC operatives around 9 am.

According to the anti-graft agency, the chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) obtained a fake medical report from one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe and presented same before the Federal High Court during proceedings against him for alleged money laundering.

However, the case was stalled after Fani-Kayode’s lawyer, Wale Balogun challenged the jurisdiction of the Lagos court to hear the matter, claiming the alleged offences occurred in Abuja and not Lagos.

“We filed before your lordship an application bordering on your lordship’s jurisdiction to entertain an arraignment,” he said.

But the counsel representing EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo stated that the court can take the plea even if an objection has been filed. He therefore prayed the court to dismiss the application by Fani-Kayode’s lawyer.

“It is elementary that what triggers your lordship’s jurisdiction in a criminal proceeding is the taking of the plea so your lordship can now assume or decline jurisdiction.

“Section 393(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 states that the defendant being tried on information can raise an objection to a charge or information only after the plea has been taken,” he said.

Justice O.O Abike-Fadipe after listening to all concerned parties adjourned the case to Dec. 17 for the ruling.