By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied reports that one of its prosecutors withdrew from a major fraud case because of pressure to compromise the trial, describing the claim as false and insisting there was no interference.
In a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission said Geraldine Ofulue’s resignation from the prosecution team was voluntary and had nothing to do with the case. It added that another prosecutor, Emenike Mgbemele, was immediately assigned to take over so that the trial would continue without disruption.
“A sensational story carried by a news outlet entitled: ‘EFCC Prosecutor Steps Down Amid Pressure To Compromise High-Profile Fraud Case Against International Fraudster Jesam Michael’, is, to say the least, totally fabricated, unprofessional and in bad taste.
“As a prosecutor, Ofulue handled Michael’s case with a fine tooth comb. Working under the guidance and tutelage of her uncompromising supervisors, she followed every process filed (together with her team) before the court diligently, with no pressure or compromise of any form. She presented nine witnesses and several exhibits admitted by the court,” the EFCC said.
The Commission stated that before resigning to pursue other engagements, Ofulue had already filed a counter-affidavit and written submissions opposing the first defendant’s fourth bail application.
It explained that Mgbemele simply adopted the documents already filed and argued in line with the Commission’s position.
“Mgbemele neither added nor subtracted anything from what Ofulue filed except to adopt the processes in court, argue the case and urged the court to refuse bail to Jesam as he was considered to be a flight risk. There was no basis for insinuation or blackmail in this matter,” it stated.
Questioning the claim of pressure, the Commission asked:
“The question is: who was pressuring Ofulue in this matter? Why will an officer’s resignation from the EFCC to pursue other engagements be construed as ‘stepping down’?” the statement asked.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendant and his company defrauded more than 50,000 investors in what it described as a trans-national Ponzi scheme of “disturbing proportion,” and called for support in its efforts to prosecute the case.
It also warned that it would not be distracted from its mandate and would take legal action against any person or organisation involved in blackmail or deliberate misrepresentation of the Commission or its officers.
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