The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expanded its legal case against Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly impersonated the director-general of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). The anti-graft agency increased the number of charges against Adeyemi from 22 to 36 and added four new defendants to the prosecution.
Sylvanus Tahir, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the ICPC's prosecuting counsel, disclosed the amendment during court proceedings on Monday. The four newly named defendants are Aminu Abdullahi, Ogaba Harry, Florence Omameh, and Patricia Akhigbe. The case was originally instituted by the Nigeria Police Force before the ICPC assumed control of the prosecution.
Although Monday’s session was initially scheduled to hear Adeyemi’s bail application, the filing of amended charges required all defendants to appear in court to enter their pleas. The arraignment process was halted because Florence Omameh, the fourth defendant, was absent due to health reasons, while the other accused persons were present.
Tahir explained that Omameh’s absence prevented the prosecution from proceeding with the arraignment, citing Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The section mandates that defendants must be present throughout their trial, except in specific circumstances permitted by law. Consequently, the prosecutor requested a short adjournment to allow Omameh time to recover and appear for her plea.
Ibrahim Angulu, a SAN representing Adeyemi, did not oppose the amended charges or the request for an adjournment. However, he drew the court’s attention to the significant length of time his client has already spent in detention.
Justice Yusuf Halilu subsequently adjourned the case until November 18 for the arraignment of all defendants. The judge ordered that Adeyemi be returned to the Kuje Correctional Facility, while the other defendants were directed to return to the ICPC detention facility.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
