Drama over how to safekeep cash recovered from Justice Ademola
A mild drama ensued in the trial of Justice Adeniyi Ademola on Thursday when the Director of Litigation of the FCT High Court, Madugu Muhammed informed the court of the confusion with bank officials on how to safekeep the monies recovered from the embattled judge. The court based on this information summoned the Manager of […]
A mild drama ensued in the trial of Justice Adeniyi Ademola on Thursday when the Director of Litigation of the FCT High Court, Madugu Muhammed informed the court of the confusion with bank officials on how to safekeep the monies recovered from the embattled judge.
The court based on this information summoned the Manager of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, Mr. Ali Haruna to explain the confusion.
He said since "it is the first time we are receiving such huge amount to be kept in our vault and it is not expected to be kept inside any account since it is an exhibit.
"We are consulting our head office to get the insurance cover both in Naira and foreign currencies. This is so as to know the cost implications", he said.
He added that the monies would have to be counted before the bank can accept them for deposit.
Prosecution counsel, Barrister Segun Jegede said the prosecution having presented the items as Exhibits have yielded the custody to the Court.
"It now becomes the responsibility of the FCT High Court to ensure the safekeeping of the exhibits. The cost of safekeeping exhibits ought to be organised or ensured by the Court", he said.
Counsel to Justice Ademola, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) said if the prosecution will not oppose, he moves that the money be paid into an interest yielding savings account.
Justice Ademola’s wife’s counsel, Chief Robert Clarke (SAN) added that the DSS exhibit keeper that tendered the exhibits should be made to follow the court officials to the bank and ensure the monies are counted in his presence.
Jegede said if it is the condition given by the bank that the monies be counted before they are deposited, he has no objection to it.
The court ruled that based on the agreement of all counsels, the bank officials are ordered to count the monies and deposit same in the account provided by the Chief Registrar pending the determination of the suit.
Recall that the prosecution had on Wednesday tendered before the court a white bag containing 12 bundles of N1000 notes totalling N6 million; a black bag containing 17 bundles of N1000 notes totalling N8.5 million; an ash-coloured Ghana-must-go bag containing 79 bundles of N1000 notes totalling N39.5 million.
Also tendered are United States’ Dollar bills in 11 wraps of $100 bills, one wrap of $50 bills and 61 pieces of $100 bills and several pieces of $20, $10 and $5 bills all amounting to $121,279. He also tendered €4,400, £80 and 1000 Indian Rupees.