The Federal Government yesterday approached the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to seek guidance on whether to issue an arrest warrant against a former minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
At the resumed hearing before Justice John Tsoho, counsel to the Federal government, Mr. Johnson Ojogbane told the court that government is experiencing some difficulties in serving Adoke since he is outside the jurisdiction of the court.
He said: “I would like to request for a warrant of arrest of the first defendant. I will appreciate if my lord will guide me because I actually wanted to make an application for a warrant of arrest. I also want the court to guide me on whether I can do that orally or come by way of a motion”.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has the power to arrest anybody anywhere but when the person is not within the jurisdiction of the court (outside the country), it becomes difficult”.
He also told the court that if the order seeking to arrest Adoke is granted, it will become easier for the security agents to liase with the International Police (InterPol) to initiate extradition moves. ustice Tsoho, after listening to the submissions, told the federal government to make a proper application before the court, adding that such applications are not done orally.
The judge also said that if Adoke was already arraigned before the court and was attempting to escape, it would have been proper to issue such warrant. “Once a person has been arraigned before a court and is attempting to escape, then it becomes necessary to issue a warrant of arrest; but in this case, Adoke has not been arraigned before this court. The matter is still at the investigative stage so such an order is not necessary”, Justice Tsoho held. The court however adjourned to June 13 for arraignement. It will be recalled that the EFCC had in December 2016, charged nine suspects, including Adoke, over the issue.