Court Gives EFCC Seven Days To Retract Publication

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the Economic and Financial Crime Commission(, EFCC )to within seven days withdraw a publications in Vanguard newspaper purporting that it would effect the arrest of Mr Paul Odogbo, Precious Williams and Pastor Amaechi Udeakwu by declaring wanted.
Justice Sika Henry-aprioku gave the order last Friday, while ruling in a motion on a fundamental suit brought by the claimants against the EFCC.
The trial judge lso reinstated an earlier order of the court, restraining the EFCC from harassing, inviting or arresting the three claimants in the suits pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court .
The trial judge, Justice Henry-Aprioku expressed displeasure that the anti-graft agency would be involved in an act he described as an affront to abridge the court and judicial orders.
The judge before adjourning to 30th of September for hearing of the suit, ordered that the EFCC must within seven days withdraw the publication and also retract same on its facebook as well as its twitter handle .
Counsel to EFCC, S.M Ibekwute declined to speak to newsmen on the proceeding.
Counsels to the applicants, Ejike Ben-ugwu and Samuel Emeka described the position of the court as justice for democracy and rule of law.

By: Akujobi Amadi