Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over Wednesday�s judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, barring it from arresting or prosecuting former Governor Peter Odili.
EFCC has promised to arrest and prosecute Odili, former Governor of River State. A statement signed by the Commission’s Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Osita Nwajah, and made available to THISDAY in Abuja , noted that the judgment was capable of setting bad precedence. EFCC said it had not given up on arresting the former Governor, noting that, �the arrest and prosecution of Odili can only be delayed, it cannot be permanently stopped.�
It stated, �the judgment is not only unacceptable; it is also capable of setting ominous precedence against investigations of indicted public officials in future. �In this respect, the Commission is finalising arrangements geared towards appealing the judgment and assures the public that it will utilise all avenues of seeking legal redress through the hierarchy of Courts in Nigeria, to overturn the said judgment.�
It said it had concluded its investigations on how Odili engaged in wanton looting of the treasury of Rivers State between May 29, 1999 and May 29, 2007, and was on the verge of filing charges against him when he proceeded to a civil court to restrain it.
It noted, however, that it had already applied for the entire record of proceedings and judgment of the lower court, to enable it take further steps in the prosecution of the appeal.
�It is the official view of the Commission that no person has legal right against criminal investigation and prosecution. This view has been supported by superior judicial pronouncements by the Supreme Court of Nigeria,� the statement read.
Mar72008