The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as well the petitioner’s locus standi over allegations of fraud as governor of Edo state.
In an application challenging the allegation of fraud against him before a Federal High Court in Abuja brought by Bishop Osadolor Ochei, the former governor’s counsel, Damian Dodo SAN, argued that Ochei lacks the locus to file criminal charges against his client.
The petitioner had asked for an Order of Mandamus compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute Oshiomhole over alleged diversion of state funds to personal use.
The Federal High Court, sitting at Abuja and presided over by Justice A.I. Chikere, had ordered Bishop Ochei to serve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and investigate Oshiomhole upon allegations of corruption within 5 days from October 9, 2018.
Bishop Ochei’s lawyer, Dr. West-Idahosa, had argued a motion ex-parte filed in suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/628/ 2018 urging the court to allow the respondents file a reply to the weighty allegations made against them by the applicant in support of the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.
He referred the court to 86 exhibits filed by the applicant in support of his application. He also relied on several Orders of the Federal High Rules, Sections 15 & 24 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The case was adjourned to today, October 23, for arguments from all the parties.
