The hearing for the case challenging the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been scheduled for February 22, 2024, by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Obiora Egwuatu announced this decision on Wednesday, following an agreement among the involved parties that the selected date is suitable for all.
During the court proceedings, Mr. Victor Opatola, the plaintiff who opted to represent himself, informed the court that he had received the preliminary objections to the suit from the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation. However, he mentioned not having received any legal documentation from the National Assembly (NASS) and the EFCC chairman.
In response, Mr. Israel Obaniyi, the counsel representing NASS, informed the court that his team was only made aware of the matter by the legal department of the Assembly on Tuesday.
He said he would peruse the brief and file his response before the next adjourned date.
The EFCC lawyer, Mr R.O Adakole also told the court that he would also put his house in order before the next adjourned date.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Feb. 22, 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Opatola, an Abuja-based lawyer had dragged the federal government, NASS and Attorney-General to court over alleged illegal appointment of Olukoyede, as the Chairman of EFCC.
NAN also reports that the lawyer in the suit was challenging the validity of the appointment of the EFCC chairman.
The lawyer asked the court to determine whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2 (1) (a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Olukoyede, who had not fulfilled the conditions of the Act, could be validly appointed as the EFCC chairman.
He also asked the court to determine whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, the person appointed to the office of the chairman of the EFCC could be said to be above the rank of assistant commissioner of police or its equivalent.
