Family of detained ex-President Jonathan’s cousin demands release

The family of Mr Azibaola Robert, a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to charge Robert to court or release him unconditionally.
The family made the demand at a news conference in Lagos on Sunday.
Robert, the Managing Director of One Plus Holdings Ltd., was arrested by the EFCC on March 23 over the $40 million pipelines protection contract awarded to his firm by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Faith Robert condemned the continued detention of his elder brother by the EFCC after an Abuja High Court had granted him bail on April 7.
He said the remand order by an Abuja Magistrates’ Court which EFCC relied upon to detain Robert had expired on April 19.
According to him, it is therefore, improper for the EFCC to approach another Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for another remand order when the Abuja High Court has granted bail to Robert.
“The same High Court served a production warrant on EFCC on April 12 after meeting its bail conditions.
“It is important to note that EFCC, an organisation created by an Act of Parliament, has continued to treat the order from a High Court of competent jurisdiction with contempt.
Robert urged the EFCC to charge his brother to court, allow him enjoy the bail granted him by the Abuja High Court or free him unconditionally.