SAN FRANCISCO, March 06, (THEWILL) – The Ikeja High Court, Lagos, has thrown away N150 million damages and a no-case submission filed by Mr Rickey Tarfa.
Tarfa who is being tried for obstruction and perverting the course of justice by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had informed the court that he had no case to answer when he was about to open his defence during Monday’s proceedings.
Justice Aishat Opesanwo, however, in a ruling, held a contrary view, saying she is satisfied that the EFCC had established a prima facie case against Tarfa and he should proceed with his defence.
The judge also did not award the SAN N150 million in exemplary damages for “malicious prosecution” which Tarfa had demanded from the anti-graft agency.
“I have taken consideration of Section 38(2) of the EFCC Act and Section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011, the oral and documentary evidence given by the prosecution.
“I am satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendant.
“I invite the defendant to proceed with his defence of the three-count charge contained in the information herein,” the judge said.
The EFCC alleged that Tarfa willfully obstructed two of its officers — Moses Awolusi and Sanusi Mohammed — from arresting his clients within the premises of Igbosere High Court, Lagos.
Tarfa’s clients, Gnanhoue Sourou and Nazaire Odeste, were alleged by the EFFC to have committed some financial crimes.
The EFCC also alleged that Tarfa engaged in alleged illegal and secret communication with Justice Mohammed Yunusa, a Federal High Court judge, who presided over the case.
NAN reports that Justice Opesanwo adjourned the case until May 24 and May 25.
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