EFCC arraigns ex-CJ Umezulike for false declaration of asset

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday arraigned the former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Professor Innocent Azubike Umezulike at the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He was arraigned on a four count charge of non- disclosure of asset and false declaration of assets before Justice J. K. Omotosho.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu had placed an interim forfeiture order of a sum of N50 million belonging to Justice Umezulike contained in a Zenith Bank plc account.

Read also: Second refusal to approve Magu EFCC boss, a national disgrace –Ezekwesili

The order was made in response to a prayer by the EFCC, seeking the freezing, seizure and forfeiture of properties and assets linked to the former Chief Judge.

Following reports of fraud against Umezulike, the National Judicial Council (NJC) under the leadership of its former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mahmud Mohammed, had recommended him and Justices Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya for compulsory retirement.

The NJC also dismissed Justice Kabiru Auta and stated that he be handed over to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Kano State for prosecution.

The NJC said that Mr. Umezulike was to be sacked for accepting N10 million in gifts from individuals he adjudicating cases on, making disparaging remarks unbecoming of a judicial officer, and abusing his judicial powers in several cases.
Details later….

 

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