Akingbola (1) vs EFCC (0): Federal Judge Throws out Corruption Charges Against Former Bank Chief

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed the charges against the embattled former Intercontinental bank boss, Erastus Akingbola (OON).

Justice Charles Archibong has dismissed every single one of the 22-count corruption charge against Akingbola on the gorunds of “incompetence”. The judge delivered a verdict that is sure to leave a stain on the career of the five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) prosecuting the EFCC’s case against Akingbola.

Archibong called the EFCC lawyers a waste of taxpayers’ money, stating, ““I direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to disband, sack and de-brief the present prosecuting team and their various respective firms for abuse of court process. They are a drain on the public purse.’’

The justice also accused the lawyers of trying to “scandalize” the court, calling their actions “serious and professional incompetence” in their case against Akingbola.

He added, “The counsel shall not be given any further audience in relation to the charges against the accused either by me or any other judge of the Federal High Court.

“I hereby dismiss the charges amended or otherwise on the grounds of incompetence. I discharge the accused person accordingly.’’