May 03, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has withdrawn the N1.84 billion corruption charges filed against Nicholas Ashinze, a former military assistant to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki and eight others.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), withdrew the charges on Wednesday, at the resumed hearing of the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, after taking over the trial from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Counsel to the AGF, David Kaswe, however, gave no reason for the withdrawal.
The EFCC had called seven prosecution witnesses in the trial. The commission was to proceed with hearing when a lawyer from the AGF office, Kaswe, announced the decision to take over the case.
Counsel to EFCC, Offem Uket, who said he was unaware that the AGF was taking over the matter, however, did not oppose the application.
After obtaining the judge’s permission to take over the suit, Kaswe prayed for the withdrawal of the criminal charge against the defendants.
