I shouldn’t be facing trial as a serving Judge, embattled Ofili-Ajumogobia challenges her trial

The embattled Judge of a Federal High Court, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, told a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday where she’s being tried for money laundering that she remained a Judge until President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of her dismissal is gazetted.

Ofili-Ajumogobia, who was dismissed by the National Judicial Council (NJC), argued that a serving Judge should not undergo trial until formally dismissed.

EFCC arraigned Ofili-Ajumogobia on an 18-count charge. It alleged that she and Obla conspired on May 21, 2014, to indirectly conceal and retain N5million in the Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd.

Ofili-Ajumogobia was also accused of indirectly concealing N12million in the same account despite knowing that it is a proceed of “unlawful enrichment”.

Counsel to Ofili-Ajumogobia, Robert Clarke (SAN) faulted a letter purportedly tendered by the EFCC from the Presidency confirming that she had been dismissed.

Clarke contended the letter was addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) rather than to the Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

He argued that there was no evidence that the FJSC has received the President’s response approving or rejecting the recommendation.

“The prosecution has failed to show that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is not a judge of the Federal High Court.

“Until that is resolved, your Lordship’s hands are tied with regards to the Nganjiwa case,” Clarke said.

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Meanwhile, Ajumogobia’s co-accused Godwin Obla (SAN) is praying the court to quash the charge or order that he be tried separately.

Arguing the application, his lawyer Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) accused EFCC of persecuting his client and abusing the judicial process.

After listening to the arguments, the presiding Judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa adjourned until Friday for ruling.

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