Senator Jonah Jang
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday withdrew fees filed towards a former governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang.
The anti-corruption company acknowledged that the rationale for the withdrawal was to keep away from abuse of court docket processes.
Jang (PDP-Plateau North), and a cashier, Yusuf Gyang Pam, had been within the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, following their arrest over alleged misuse of funds.
While the commission had slammed Jang with a 12 rely cost on alleged fraud, the ICPC had additionally filed a related cost towards him.
But the Assistant Director in ICPC, Adesina Raheem, on Wednesday, moved an utility earlier than Justice Daniel Longji of Plateau State High Court in Jos, for the withdrawal of the costs.
He stated, “My Lord, we got an information that EFCC has filed a criminal charge against the defendant. We had a discussion with the EFCC and it was resolved that we should withdraw our own charge to avoid abuse of court processes. I will humbly seek the leave of the court to withdraw the charge. That is my application.”
Delivering his ruling, Justice Longji, struck out the costs, saying “the prosecution has the right to withdraw the application, the case is hereby struck out.”
Recall that lawyer to Jang, Robert Clarke (SAN), had on Monday, stated that the ICPC’s case was not ripe for listening to.
He had expressed optimism that the ICPC could withdraw the costs as a result of the identical court docket can’t entertain identical fees from each EFCC and ICPC.
Clarke stated, “The ICPC case has not ripened for hearing by this court. I am aware that you cannot maintain a charge by ICPC on the same charge in same court. Let us see what happen, I have an inkling that they may withdraw the charges.”