Justice Mohammed Liman made the order while ruling on a July 6 application filed by Mompha’s counsel, Gboyega Oyewole.
EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, had told the judge that it had earlier released Mompha’s Air Pod and sunglasses when the application was filed.
He said the other properties Mompha sought were still with the commission for investigative purposes. Mompha is standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, on an amended twenty two-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N33 billion.Ruling on Friday, Justice Liman noted that although the prosecution has the right to seize property during an arrest, likewise a duty to approach the court for an interim order, due process must be observed and failure to do this is considered illegal.
“At this stage, there is nothing on record that the items seized are being investigated on. The retention of the property without compliance with due process violates the requirements of Section 29 of the Act. “Failure to release the property is illegal. As of today, no charge has been file regards the items. It is too long to withhold the applicant’s properties.”The defendant also applied for the release of his international passport, which was not opposed by the prosecution.Mr Liman had fixed July 24 for hearing the application filed by Mompha and his company, Ismalog Global Investment Limited.The judge also fixed October 14 for hearing of parties on the no-case submission filed by Mompha.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Court orders EFCC to return Mompha's Int’l passport, wristwatch, iPhoneA Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release all items seized from a social media...
Read more »
Alleged Fraud: Why U.S. court dismissed complaint against Woodberry - Lawyer'Woodberry' is facing charges bordering on wire fraud conspiracy at a United States District Court.
Read more »
Why U.S. court dismissed complaint against Woodberry – LawyerWe are a quality, national, newspaper with credible and dependable information.
Read more »
Court convicts two for crude oil theft in Rivers | The Nation NigeriaThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal office, on Thursday secured the conviction of Oghenovo Emmanuel...
Read more »
Court sacks APC House of Assembly member in Kano - Daily Post NigeriaA Kano High Court has nullified the election of a House of Assembly Member of APC platform, Magaji Dahiru Zarewa. With this development, the Peoples’
Read more »
Herbalist in court over alleged N1.2m fraudThe Police on Friday arraigned a 48-year-old herbalist, Rotimi Ogun, in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N1.2 million from a woman on false pretences of selling some goods …
Read more »