A
High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday stopped the
arraignment of the former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero,
charged with the embezzlement of N557 million police equipment fund.
Counsel
to Ehindero, Chief Mike Ezekome (SAN), had filed a preliminary
objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.
Ezekome
further challenged the competency of the prosecutor (Paul Bassi), as
according to him, he did not obtain the permission of the
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before the commencement of the
action.
Justice
Mudashiru Oniyangi, held: ``I consider it proper to hear the
application challenging the jurisdiction of the court first before the
accused persons could take their plea.''
The
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that John Obaniyi, a former
Commissioner of Police in-charge of Budget at the Force Headquarters, is
standing trial along with the former IGP.
The
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
(ICPC), in its amended charge, accused Ehindero and Obaniyi of
conspiracy to embezzle the funds donated to the Force by Bayelsa State
Government in 2007.
The commission said the funds were meant for the purchase of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment.
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