Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode was on Tuesday brought before a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of forgery and unlawful procurement of documents.
The EFCC had filed a 12-count charge against Fani-Kayode before Justice O. O. Fadipe, accusing him of forging medical certificate and filed same to mislead the court.
However, the attempt by the prosecuting counsel to get Fani-Kayode arraigned was thwarted by the defence counsel, who argued that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case.
The defendant counsel had brought an application challenging the jurisdiction. Moment both parties argued in favour of their respective positions, the court adjourned to December 17, 2021 for ruling.
The former Minister was accused of procuring document under false pretence, contrary to the provision of Section 369 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The EFCC claimed that the former Minister procured one Dr. Ogiewu Ozeigbe to issue the fake medical report, which was purportedly issued at the Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja.
The prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, prayed the court to take the plea of the defendant over the allegation, while Mr. Wale Balogun of the defence submitted challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Oyedepo urged the court to dismiss the application on the grounds that it is an attempt to frustrate trial.
He reiterated that the stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice have addressed various antics about frivolous applications meant to delay justice.
Fani-Kayode’s counsel told the court that the various authorities cited by the prosecution counsel to back up his claims are wrongly interpreted.
Balogun noted that the application is not to challenge the validity of the charge information but the jurisdictions to preside over the matter.
The counsel urged the court to entertain the application and rule on it before the plea can be taken.
The former minister has been having a running battle with the EFCC for alleged money laundering.
