By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
Absence of Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court yesterday stalled hearing in the alleged infringement of fundamental human rights suit instituted by a former Jigawa state Governor, Saminu Turaki, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Th e ex-governor is challenging the alleged infringement of his fundamental human rights following his arrest at a public function in Abuja, on July 4, by the EFCC. But the Commission is insisting that the arrest is in conformity with the law as it had a bench warrant issued it on May 2014 by a Federal High Court sitting in Dutse, Jigawa state.
Th e anti-graft body had detained the former governor in its custody for about two weeks, which compelled him to institute the case. Th e Commission, however, defi led Justice Halilu July 13, ruling which ordered it to release Turaki from its custody. Th e EFCC fi led a motion, arguing that Halilu’s bail condition for Turaki’s release was too liberal. Th e Commission also claimed that the substantive suit against Turaki had already been fi led before a Federal High Court, Abuja, as at the time Halilu ordered his release. At the resumed hearing yesterday, the case could not be heard as the judge was absent. Th e court’s registrar informed the parties that the judge was on another offi cial assignment, while the case was adjourned till September 28, for hearing’’
