FG loses again as Appeal Court upholds Justice Ademola’s acquittal

The Abuja Court of Appeal has dismissed the federal government’s suit challenging the discharge of Adeniyi Ademola, a retired judge of the Federal High Court, of fraud charges.

The ruling also applied to Olubowale, his wife, and Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

On April 5, a High Court in FCT dismissed an 18-count charge bordering on allegations of gratification to influence cases.

The charges were filed by the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) following the raid on some judges’ homes by operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) in October 2016.

Justice Olabisi Ige, while delivering the judgment on Monday, said the notice of appeal filed by the government “was unmeritorious”.

He held that it was not the place of the law to interfere with a decision of the trial court without substantial reasons.

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“From the notice of appeal, no mention was made on this aspect which means that the appellant is satisfied with the striking down of Sections 53 and 60 of the ICPC act,” Ige said.

“Having not appealed against the striking down of sections 53 and 60 of the ICPC Act, the decision of the trial court subsists. All the three issues brought for the court to decide are hereby ruled against the appellant and the appeal is struck out for lacking in merit.

“The ruling of justice Jude Okeke of the FCT high court delivered on April 5 is hereby affirmed.”

The court said going by the government’s appeal, it would amount to asking the defendants to prove their innocence contrary to the constitution.

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