$620, 000 bribe case: Judge disqualifies self from Farouk Lawan’s trial

by John Chuks Azu

Representative member Farouk Lawan who is charged with alleged bribery.

Farouk, who was former chairman of the House committee on the 2012 Fuel subsidy Scam, was arraigned alongside the secretary, Boniface Emenalo over allegations of obtaining the sum of $620, 000 in bribes from businessman Femi Otedola to remove his company, Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd from companies indicted in the fraud.

The accused had written a petition accusing the judge of bias on account of her relationship with Otedola, stating that he is not likely to get justice in the trial.

However, counsel to Farouk, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) applied to withdraw the petition and accompanying motion, explaining that he has no reason to doubt the integrity of the judge.

In a brief ruling, Justice Banjoko held that she has no interest in continuing the case, explaining that judicial oath should be sacred and privileged.

She therefore remitted the case back to the chief judge of the FCT High Court for reassignment.