The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said it would appeal the ruling of Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja on the case alleged grass cutting scam involving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal.
The court discharged and acquitted Lawal, by dismissing the 10-count charge of corruption brought against him by the Commission.
Lawal, his younger brother, Hamidu David Lawal, Suleiman Abubakar, Apeh John Monday, alongside two companies, Rholavision Engineering (fifth defendant) and Josmon Technologies (sixth defendant) were charged to court on amended 10-count charge, bordering on fraud, diversion of funds and criminal conspiracy to the tune of over N544million.
They were being prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Head, Media and Publicity EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren in a statement on Friday, said the Judge while ruling on the no case submission made by the defendants on Friday, held that the Commission which presented 11 witnesses in the course of the trial, failed to establish the ingredients of the alleged offence.
“He held that the Commission did not establish that Babachir Lawal was either a member of the Presidential Initiative for North East PINE that awarded the contract or a member of the Ministerial Tenders Board that vetted and gave approval to the disputed contract.
“But dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC has given indication that it will obtain a copy of the judgment for urgent review and challenge its validity at the appellate court.” The statement reads.
