EFCC Press Release
The extradition process initiated against
Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, former managing director of Nigeria Security Minting and
Printing Company, NSPMC, by the office of Attorney General of the Federation
before Justice E.S Chukwu of the Federal High Court could not go on today.
Okoyomon's extradition is being sought by the UK government over his alleged role in the
bribery scandal involving officials of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,
the Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company, NSPMC, and Securency
International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008
When the case was called for mention today,
the defence counsel, Alex Iziyon, SAN, told the court that, he had filed a
preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear and
decide the matter.
Iziyon argued that the court lacks
jurisdiction to entertain the matter saying, “there is no extradition treaty
between Nigeria and United Kingdom”.
“We want to be shown where this is in the law. What we have is only protocol
not extradition treaty”, he further stated.
Responding, the prosecuting counsel, M.S
Hassan told the court that he had not been served with the application and
urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody, pending the hearing
and determination of the application.
Justice Chukwu after listening to the
submission of both counsel, ordered the defence to get the prosecution duly
served with all necessary processes while EFCC should take custody of the accused
till the next adjourned date.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday,
October 16, 2014 for hearing.
Wilson
Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
13th October, 2014
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