Court Clears ASCSN President, 3 others of charges

A High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama District of Abuja, has cleared the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Innocent Bola-Audu, and three others of a criminal allegation of human trafficking. Justice Charles Agbaza of the FCT High Court 6, on Tuesday, […]

A High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama District of Abuja, has cleared the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Innocent Bola-Audu, and three others of a criminal allegation of human trafficking.

Justice Charles Agbaza of the FCT High Court 6, on Tuesday, discharged and acquitted Bola-Audu and three others on the ground that the prosecution failed to link the defendants with the offence.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) had dragged four civil servants before the Court over their alleged involvement in human trafficking in 2021.

The defendants pleaded not guilty after they were arraigned on July 7, 2021 and were subsequently granted bail.

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The defendants through their counsels filed a motion for no-case submission. After the parties argued their briefs of argument, the court adjourned the case for a ruling.

Justice Agbaza, in his ruling on Tuesday after listening to submissions of counsels, said the prosecution clearly failed to link the defendants with the offence.

The Judge held that, “The prosecution has not clearly been able to link the defendants with the charge brought against them. I find it difficult to come to terms with the prosecution on the charges and in his argument against the defendants.

“There is no evidence before this Court linking the defendants with the offence. The prosecution failed to establish a case of human trafficking against the defendants.

“The defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted.”