AKANIMO SAMPSON

COURT ORDERS EFCC TO RELEASE BAYELSA AG, 2 DIRECTORS

THE Federal High Court in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has ordered the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release the Acting Accountant-General of the state, Mr. Francis Okakuro and two other directors of the state Ministry of Finance and Budget held by the agency.

In an exparte order, Justice Faji directed the EFCC on Monday afternoon to release the AG, the Director of Treasury, Mr. Abott Clinton, and his predecessor, Mr. Anthony Ikhoboh on liberal bail conditions, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The three applicants had filed a suit against the EFCC for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights in line with the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which does not condone the detention of anyone beyond 48 hours without charge or trial.

The three senior officers of the Bayelsa State Government have been with the EFCC since 15 March, without charge or trial, and denied access to their doctors and relations. Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva described the EFCC action as crude, wondering why his men would be taken away by the EFCC when no crime has been established. ENDS