By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
A group operating in Nigeria under the aegis of Rule of Law Advocates, RoLA, has urged Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to re-visit the case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Bolanle Babalakin and other three defendants.
The group stated that it is only by so doing that those found wanting would be brought to book, and those found not wanting can be declared innocent.
RoLA Chairman, Mr. Dauda John, gave the charged in a petition titled: “Alex Okoh: A Sacred Cow?” sent to the EFCC and a copy made available to our correspondent in Calabar yesterday.
The petition, dated November 7 2022, and signed by RoLA Chairman, called for re-visitation of case No:1D/1432/C/2015, filed at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on April 25, 2015 by the Econmic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The petition addressed to the EFCC Chairman, EFCC, against the DG, Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, called for the revisitation of the lingering case of fraudulent retention of proceed from criminal conduct in a case between the Federal Government and Babalakin, Alex Okoh, Stabilini Vision Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited and Renix Nigeria Limited.
Commending the President Muhammadu Buhari administiion for living up to expectation with regards to crime fighting through the EFCC, the petition wondered the rationale behind the appointment of Alex Okoh as Director General, DG, of BPE, even when his name was yet to be cleared from the EFCC’s watchlist.
The wptitiom reads in part, “However, to appoint into public office people like Alex Okoh, DG of BPE, who is undergoing trial, lowers the bar in the quest for probity and accountability.
“Even though Alex Okoh’s trial for financial crime predates the administration of President Buhari, yet he was appointed the DG of BPE, thereby, making a mockery of Buhari’s stance on the rule of law.
“This particular case has been lingering in the shadows since 2015 and we wonder why. We urged you to please proceed with the prosecution of the case.
“The enforcement of the law is mandatory, and there should be no sacred cows. People must be held accountable for their actions no matter whose ox is gored.
“Finally to oppose corruption is the highest obligation of patriotism.”
It further added, “Therefore, the interest of our country must be upheld at all times. In the light of the above, Is Alex Okoh a sacred cow?”
