There was mild drama on Tuesday at the Federal High Sitting in Abuja as Justice James Omotoso ordered an investigation of the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed who filed an eight-count charge against Senator Stella Odua.
The drama began when the matter was called and the counsel announced his appearance for the Nigeria Police Force.
Mohammed told the court that the defendant was not in court as an attempt to serve her with the charge was not successful. He said the investigating police officer, IPO, told him that Senator Odua could not be served because she was indisposed and “as a result, we are unable to serve her.”
The judge now inquired to know who signed the charge, which the prosecutor owned. The court probes further, but the prosecution counsel said he is a police officer seconded to EFCC, but had been deployed back to EFCC since November 2022.
He added that he resumed at the legal department of police headquarters January 2023.
The court further inquired how come the charge filed in June 2023 by EFCC is being prosecuted by the police.
“Would a reasonable man believe you? This court will seek investigation and you will go to EFCC and explain. I will call for investigation of the council.”
The council said it was a mistake, that he mistakenly put EFCC, Benin, in the charge.
In his brief ruling, Justice Omotoso said, “In view of the fact that Ibrahim Mohammed signed this charge on June 22, 2023, and having admitted himself to have left EFCC in November 2022. This court makes an order directing EFCC to investigate and report back. Counsel in company with police shall report to EFCC immediately.”