P&ID: EFCC insists Grace Tiaga’s death certificate must be presented in court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has insisted that the death certificate of Grace Tiaga, a former director of legal services at the ministry of petroleum resources, must be presented in court.

Taiga was arrested and charged to court by the EFCC over allegations of receiving payments from Process & Industrial Development (P&ID) to skew the controversial 20-year gas supply and processing agreement (GSPA) against Nigeria.

The EFCC alleged that Taiga received illegal payments from Marshpearl Limited, a company controlled by the owners of P&ID, through her daughter.

After retirement, she reportedly continued receiving payments from P&ID directors.

She was also accused of failing to follow due process in giving legal advice on the GSPA.

On September 20, 2019, a federal high court in Abuja remanded her at the Suleja prison after she pleaded “not guilty” to an eight-count charge of fraud brought against her by the EFCC.

Taiga was later granted bail while the charge against her was amended to 13 counts.

During the trial, the prosecution called eight witnesses to testify against the defendant and closed its case on February 27, 2023.

The court asked the defendant to open her defence.

When the case came up on November 4, 2023, Daniel Alumun, counsel to Taiga, told the court that the defendant passed away on August 1, 2023, at a hospital in Abuja.

Alumun tendered a letter, titled, “Hospital Death Declaration”, from Primus International Super Speciality Hospital, Karu New Extension, Abuja, to notify the court of Taiga’s demise.

The lawyer prayed the court to dismiss the case against Tiaga.

However, the EFCC counsel asked that a death certificate should be presented in court in compliance with the relevant laws.

Olukayode Adeniyi, the presiding judge, directed that the certificate be produced before the court and adjourned the case until January 24.

At the resumed session on Wednesday, the defendant’s counsel told the court that the death certificate was still not ready.

He prayed the court for more time to enable him to get the document.

The prosecuting counsel insisted that the death certificate must be brought to the court as stipulated by the law before a decision can be taken.

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

BREAKING: 2Baba Shot Dead In Rivers State

A notorious cult leader and the prime suspect in the brutal murder of the late Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, in the state, Gift Okpara, popularly referred to as 2Baba, has been reportedly killed in a police-led major security raid. The police and other security agencies were said to have conducted land and aerial raids at the identical hideout of the Iceland cult leader and his gang at Idu-Ekpeye in Ahoada East local government area of Rivers on Saturday, February 17. According to The Nation , the Iceland cult leader was reportedly feared dead after the operation. Recall that in September 2023, the late DPO was ambushed and captured by the cult group led by 2Baba in the Odiemudie community, Ahoada East LGA. 2Baba and his gang then took the DPO to the forest, where they killed him and dismembered his body. The cultists then filmed him. Another source, Obi, said he saw no less than 15 vehicles and an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) during th...

Prominent Leaders Pay Tribute to Late Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, at Anambra Community Candlelight Procession in Awka

Hundreds of mourners, friends, well-wishers, media representatives, and party faithful gathered are presently at Emmaus House in Awka for a candlelight procession to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Chief Egwuonwu in his speech expressed his deep grief over the loss of his friend and brother, Senator Ubah, saying it's hard to find words to convey his emotions. However, he says that he finds solace in the tremendous impact Senator Ubah had on the lives of those he encountered. Chief Owelle Mbaso, leader of Anambra Former Political Appointees in paying glowing tribute said that Senator Ubah led a life worthy of emulation. He said "he knew he wouldn't pass this way again,reason he ensured he impacted on several life's without expecting anything in return." Mr Linus Williams, BLord in a glowing tribute recounted how Late Senator Ubah helped him when he was wrongly accused of sponsoring terrorism. He said " even though I have not meet him or seen ...

NIGERIAN NOTCH

Search This Blog