Thursday 31 January 2013

$620,000 bribe scam: Court strikes out Lawan’s plea of immunity

 by John Chuks Azu
The preliminary objections brought by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Representative Farouk Lawan seeking to uphold their immunity in the suit filed by businessman Femi Otedola over a $620, 000 bribery allegation has been struck out by an Abuja High Court for lack of merit.
Tambuwal and Lawan had in July and November 2012 separately objected to Otedola’s claims of intimidation and N250 billion in damages from the National Assembly following the attempt to re-list his firm, Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd, in the list of indicted firms in the fuel subsidy scam.
Defence counsels Mike Ahamba (SAN) and Kehinde Ogunwumiju Esq. had argued that the principal officers of the House of Representatives are covered under section 53 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2004.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke, held that he has the jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He further held that Speaker Tambuwal is a necessary party in the suit because his absence will affect the fair outcome of the matter. He adjourned the suit to March 30 for hearing.
DailyTrust

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