TheCable

A federal high court in Abuja has fixed September 27 to rule on an application by the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), seeking to take over the prosecution of Ikedi Ohakim, a former governor of Imo state.

The inspector-general of police (IGP) had preferred a five-count charge against Ohakim and one Chinedu Okpareke for harassing one Chinyere Amuchienwa and threatening to release her nude photos.

At the last adjourned date, a mild drama ensued when Bagudu Sani, a counsel from the office of the AGF, informed the court that “the office of the AGF has taken over prosecution of the case from the police via a letter dated March 17, 2021.”

But the police noted that a notice to discontinue the matter has already been filed.

At the resumed session on Thursday, Sani told the court that the police have transferred the case file to the office of the AGF. Consequently, he said the AGF filed an affidavit of compliance on July 2, 2021.

In the argument against the application by the AGF to take over the matter, Rufus Dimka, police counsel, said the force filed a complainant/applicant’s counter affidavit on March 30, 2021.

Dimka urged the court to grant the notice of discontinuance and strike out the charge.

Emeka Etiaba, defence counsel, also opposed the AGF’s request to take over the matter, and prayed that the case be struck out.

After listening to submissions by parties, Taiwo Taiwo, the judge, adjourned till September 27, 2021, to rule on the application.