Continuation of Mambilla Melodrama: Agunloye heads to Appeal Court
1. The court sat promptly, and in 40 minutes, the court ruled that EFCC is competent to try Agunloye for awarding a BOT of zero cost to FGN. Agunloye and his lawyers will appeal this judgment as soon as possible.
2. Even though Agunloye’s lawyers said the EFCC had backed down on the harassment of Agunloye’s sureties and would want the Motion to be kept in abeyance, the judge insisted on hearing the motion so that he could also rule on it. The judge then heard the submissions on the bail motion and decided he would give his ruling later.
3. All through the 90-minute sitting of today, the judge appeared easily irritable and impatient. He scolded the lawyers for wasting his time with the motion on Amicus Curiae “to invite members of the public to my court” and then again on “the preliminary objection thing” and now “they are asking for 4 weeks to enable the defendant to attend UCH (University College Hospital, Ibadan) for medical attention.” The judge vowed that he would never allow that. He added rather coldly and callously: “He can attend UCH today and the court tomorrow”
4. The Court adjourned until 30 May 2024 to start the trial on the 7 charges against Agunloye.
5. In the end, all said, “as my Lord pleases,” stood up, took a bow, and left.
6. Observers who came to court said in a calm mood, “Thank God for the grace and strength to struggle.”
Nasir Mohammed
Apo. Abuja. 15/5/24.
