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ENUGU-ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu on Friday arraigned former Enugu State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Innocent Umezuluike before an Enugu State High court for alleged corruption.
Hon. Justice Innocent Umezuluike appeared before an Enugu State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Anthony Onovo for alleged use of office for corrupt and unfair advantage.
He was alleged to have sometime February 2014 as Hon. Chief Judge, High Court of Justice, Enugu, used his position to confer, unfair advantage upon himself by inviting one Prince Arthur Eze, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oranto Petroleum LTD who was a litigant in pending and concluded civil matter presided over by him.
Umezuluike was accused to have accepted Ten Million Naira donated to him by Prince Arthur Eze during the launch of his book titled “ABC of Contemporary Land Law in Nigeria ‘’ with a Cheque drawn in the account of Oranto Petroleum LTD and paid the same sum into his zenith Bank Account.
The EFCC prosecuting counsel, Mr Waheb Shittu told the court that the act is contrary to section 19 of the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related (offence) Act (Laws of the Federation) 2000.
The former Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Umezuluike pleaded not guilty to the one count charge.
Meanwhile, counsel for the defendant, Mr Agu Gab Agu had earlier before the plea, pleaded the court that his client should still be addressed by his title as the Hon. Justice Umezuluike and moved a motion for his bail.
He noted that his client was granted bail in a similar matter pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt in self-recognizance.
The prosecuting counsel, Shittu told the court that they are not opposing the counsel plea but are rather interested in an accelerated trial of the case.
Court finally ordered that the accused should be addressed as Hon. Justice and granted him bail in the sum of One Million Naira in self-recognisance.
The case was adjourned till Oct. 26, 27 and Nov. 2nd and 3rd for definite hearing.
