The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Monday it would file an appeal against the ruling of the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which held that the agency lacks powers to investigate or prosecute serving judicial officials except where such officers have been dismissed by the National Judicial Council.
The appellate court on Monday dismissed corruption charges filed against a serving judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, by the EFCC.
A statement issued by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “The Commission considers the ruling a dangerous precedent that has no basis in law and, is confident that the Supreme Court will upturn the judgment.
“Criminal trial takes precedence over administrative procedures and it is strange that the Court of Appeal wants to put the cart before the horse. This is ridiculous! The appellate court simply wants to confer immunity on public officers from prosecution for corruption, it will not stand.”
