Date Published: 01/13/10

EFCC commends Lagos Judges, Pleads for support

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri on Wednesday appealed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Inumidun Akande, to prevail on judges who  have formed  the habit of granting frivolous interlocutory injunctions and exparte orders to deliberately stall investigations and trial of cases instituted by the anti-graft agency  in their courts. This in her views are capable of not only portraying the judiciary in bad light but can also erode public confidence in the judicial system.

She made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge to appreciate the commitment and the support of the Lagos bench to the work of the anti-graft agency.

According to her, ‘the Commission deeply appreciates the efforts of the judges particularly the designated judges attending to our matters. They have been of immeasurable assistance to us. We can only appeal to you to help us with more of their services without prejudice to your right to choose, retain, redeploy or re-design new modus operandi for the designated judges”.

Speaking further, she solicited the understanding of the chief judge about the need to strengthen the capacity of judges designated to handle EFCC cases. “The Commission will kindly plead for the designation of more magistrate courts for the consideration of pre-trial detention orders, issuance of search warrant and warrant of arrest. The existing one is capable but grossly inadequate for the rising challenges of the Commission|”, she explained.

Waziri noted that the anti-graft war is a challenge for all stakeholders adding that every Nigerian must see the crusade as the battle for their survival and that of the country.” Every stakeholder particularly the judiciary should be seen taking a lead role in the crusade to rid our country of all forms of corruption if we are to have a nation that we can bequeath to generations unborn”, she added.

While responding, the Chief Judge acknowledged the need for more support and commitment to the work of the Commission. She said the judges in Lagos have been assisting the Commission and will continue to assist and cooperate with EFCC in its efforts towards combating corruption and other economic crimes in the country. “Our changes and postings will never affect the prosecution of your cases. Judges in Lagos are decent and incorruptible”, she added.