N544m scandal: EFCC to appeal ex-SGF Babachir Lawal’s acquittal

 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will appeal the dismissal of its case against Babachir Lawal.

 

The ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation floored the anti-graft agency in court on Friday.

 

Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court dismissed the corruption charges against Lawal.

 

The former SGF, his brother Hamidu David Lawal, Suleiman Abubakar, Apeh John Monday, alongside Rholavision Engineering and Josmon Technologies are facing trial.

 

The amended 10-count charge against them includes fraud, diversion of funds and criminal conspiracy to the tune of over N544million.

 

Justice Agbaza ruled that the commission, which presented 11 witnesses, failed to establish the ingredients of the alleged offence.

 

The judge said the EFCC did not prove that Lawal was a member of the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE), the contract issuer, or a Ministerial Tenders Board member.

 

In a statement, spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren announced that the agency would review the judgment and “challenge its validity at the appellate court”.