Bauchi group writes EFCC to fast track prosecution of governor-elect before May 29

A coalition of local civil society organizations based in Bauchi State has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure speedy prosecution of governor-elect of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.

This is coming as Mohammed’s trial, before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, was on Monday delayed owing to the absence of the trial Judge.

The group, Bauchi Civil Society Organization Network, in a petition signed by its Coordinator, Hussein Mohammed, to the acting chairman of the EFCC Ibrahim Magu, insisted that Mohammed be persecuted before he begins to enjoy immunity.

Mohammed, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is facing six-count bribery charges preferred against him by the EFCC.

READ ALSO: Away to Ogun, Judge’s absence stalls ‘rush’ arraignment of Bauchi gov-elect

The anti-graft body accused Mohammed of accepting as bribe houses located at No 2599 & 2600 Cadastral Zone, AO4 Asokoro District, Abuja, from Aso Savings & Loans Plc in 2014, contrary to Section 18 (b) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 18 (d).

He is scheduled to be sworn in on May 29, and according to the constitution, would immediately begin to enjoy immunity from prosecution after taking oath as an Executive Governor.

The group, in its letter, asked the EFCC to fast track the trial and prosecution of Mohammed, stressing that it “is gradually inching closer to robbing himself with the cloak of immunity in order to escape from justice.”

It also opposed the suggestions that EFCC had to suspend the multi-billion-naira corruption trial of Bala Mohammed, on the ground that he is now a governor-elect.

The group argued that immunity from criminal prosecution cannot be extended to a governor-elect.

“We make bold to say that the commission is obligated to making this a test case by ensuring a day to day trial in line with the administration of criminal justice act,” the petition read.

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