ICPC Amends Adeyemi's Charges to 36, Adds Four Defendants

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Key Takeaways

The ICPC has increased the charges against Adeniyi Adeyemi from 22 to 36 counts.
Four additional defendants have been joined in the case: Aminu Abdullahi, Ogaba Harry, Florence Omameh and Patricia Akhigbe.
The ICPC has taken over the prosecution, which was initially instituted by the police.
The amended charges require all defendants to enter fresh pleas.
The arraignment was postponed because Florence Omameh was absent due to ill health.
Adeyemi’s lawyer raised concerns about the period his client had spent in custody.
Justice Yusuf Halilu fixed November 18 for the defendants’ arraignment.
Adeyemi was ordered returned to Kuje Correctional Centre, while the other defendants were returned to ICPC custody.

The trial of Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is accused of allegedly establishing a fictitious presidential agency to obtain billions of naira from the government, has been adjourned after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) expanded the charges against him and added four co-defendants.

The development occurred on Monday during proceedings before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, where the prosecution disclosed that the charges had increased from 22 to 36 counts.

The ICPC also brought four additional defendants into the case: Aminu Abdullahi, Ogaba Harry, Florence Omameh and Patricia Akhigbe.

ICPC Takes Over Prosecution and Expands Charges

During the hearing, the ICPC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), informed the court that the commission had taken over the prosecution of the case, which was initially instituted by the police.

The hearing had originally been scheduled for Adeyemi’s bail application. However, the amended charges introduced a new requirement for all the defendants to enter their pleas afresh.

This meant the court could not proceed with the planned hearing without having all the defendants present for arraignment.

Defendant’s Absence Forces Court to Postpone Arraignment

The arraignment could not take place because Florence Omameh was absent from court due to ill health.

Tahir explained that her absence prevented the prosecution from proceeding with the criminal arraignment, citing Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which requires defendants to be present in court.

The ICPC lawyer told the court:

Her unavailability in court has constrained the prosecution from proceeding with the arraignment, this being a criminal charge.

He consequently requested a brief adjournment to allow Omameh time to recover.

Adeyemi’s Lawyer Raises Concern Over Time Spent in Custody

Counsel to Adeyemi, Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), did not oppose the prosecution’s request for an adjournment.

However, he drew the court’s attention to the length of time his client had already spent in custody.

His concern came as the amended charges and the absence of one defendant further delayed proceedings in the case.

Court Fixes November 18 for Fresh Arraignment

After considering the circumstances, Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the case until November 18 for the arraignment of all the defendants.

The judge also directed that Adeyemi be returned to Kuje Correctional Centre, while the other defendants were to be taken back into ICPC custody.

The next court date is expected to provide an opportunity for the defendants to enter their pleas to the amended 36-count charge.

The case concerns allegations against Adeyemi and the alleged establishment of a fictitious presidential agency to obtain public funds. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did the ICPC amend the charges against Adeniyi Adeyemi?

The ICPC expanded the charges from 22 to 36 counts and added four other defendants to the case.

2. Who are the four additional defendants?

The four people added to the case are Aminu Abdullahi, Ogaba Harry, Florence Omameh and Patricia Akhigbe.

3. Why was the arraignment postponed?

The arraignment could not proceed because Florence Omameh was absent from court due to ill health. The prosecution said all defendants needed to be present to enter their pleas.

4. Who is prosecuting the case?

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken over the prosecution, which was initially instituted by the police.