Justice facing corruption trial orders EFCC rules Obiano can travel out

Justice Hyeladzira A. Nganjiwa of the Awka Division of the Federal High Court permitted Obiano to travel abroad following an ex-parte order the former governor filed a day before he wanted to flee the country. But the EFCC says it has written petition against the judge.

In a statement on Saturday, the EFCC accused him of attempting to arm-twist the commission with the ex parte order.

The commission’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said court documents indicate that Obiano, on March 11, 2022 ahead of his handover, filed a motion ex parte dated March 10, 2022 before Justice Nganjiwa.

The governor prayed for an interim injunction stopping the EFCC from arresting or preventing him from travelling abroad for his medical treatment.

According to Uwujaren, the court asked the applicant to put the commission on notice on why order should not be granted, it equally ordered the EFCC not to stop Obiano from travelling abroad and adjourned till March 23.

“On March 31, the Commission was served an originating motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental rights. Curiously, the motion was filed on March 11, 2022, the same date as the motion for ex parte order.

“This was followed by another motion on notice on April 4, putting the Commission on notice to release Obiano’s passport to enable him travel abroad for his medicals with hearing fixed for April 6, and instructions that proceedings shall be conducted virtually via Zoom.”

Uwujaren said before the hearing, the EFCC petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court asking that Justice Nganjiwa recuse himself from the fundamental rights action because he is a party in the commission’s appeal at the Supreme Court in the corruption case, H. A. Nganjiwa VS. FRN.

The spokesman added that when the case was called, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba held the brief of his brother judge, who is bereaved.

The case where Justice Nganjiwa is expected to appear was adjourned.