A Federal High court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed an application by the former governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva asking the court to quash corruption charges against him on grounds that evidence submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not in any way link him to the allegations laundering the sum of N6.4 billion.
The trial Judge, Justice Adamu Bello had refused Mr Sylva’s application to quash the charge against him on the ground that it lacked merit, having held that the former governor has a case to answer. Similarly, Justice Bello also refused Mr Sylva’s application for the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad with his wife who is scheduled for surgery at a United Kingdom hospital tomorrow.
Last week the former Governor’s application was strongly opposed by EFCC’s Counsel, John Arieto, who prayed the court to refuse Mr Sylva’s application on the ground that he could refuse to return for trial.
Mr Arieto had submitted that since Mr Sylva was arraigned and granted bail last year, the agency had unearthed fresh evidence that the accuse person allegedly engaged in fraudulent acquisition of property through other private persons.
He said the commission was on the verge of preferring charges against Mr Sylva’s wife.
The embattled former governor is standing trial on six-count money laundering charges and embezzling about N6.4 billion state funds whilst in office.
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