The Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja today officially struck out charges against the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Nuhu Ribadu. In dismissing the case today, the chair of the tribunal said that the attorney general of the federation has powers under
Section 174 to discontinue any litigation relating to a federal offense at anytime before judgement.
The tribunal also said that the notice of withdrawal of the case by the AGF takes precedence over the motion filed by the accused person asking for the dismissal of the charges. The case was struck out and the bench warrant issued for Ribadu’s arrest was cancelled.
Recall that Federal Government on Wednesday March 31, 2010 withdrew all Charges against the Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The Code of Conduct Bureau had in a charge alleged that Ribadu failed to declare his asset as a public officer while in office as EFCC Chairman asserting that he thereby violated the provision of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act in respect of asset declaration.
The application to withdraw was made pursuant to the inherent powers of the Federal Government to stop proceedings against anyone under trial for any offence. The Code of Conduct Tribunal will sit later to drop all the charges.
The tribunal had issued a warrant of arrest for the former EFCC boss, for failing to appear before it to clarify issues relating to his asset declaration before assuming office as EFCC chairman. Ribadu failed to appear claiming his life was under threat.