Ohakim's Trial Causes Stir In Court As Lawyers Exchange Legal Fireworks

OHAKIM

A disagreement between prosecution and defence lawyers involved in the trial of former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim for corruption almost stalled the arraignment of the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Agency reports said the disagreement arose over alleged threat by Ohakim’s son to a prosecution witness.

The EFCC dragged Ohakim to Court for corruption for allegedly making a cash payment of $2,290,000,00 for a piece of land at 1098 Cadestral zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as N0.60 Kwame Nkrumah street, Asokoro, Abuja.

Prosecution lawyer, Festus Keyamo told the court that one of prosecution witness Abu Sule was being trailed by one Emeka Ohakim, a son of the ex governor.

Keyamo said the second prosecution witness, Abu Sule , who is the MD of Tweenex Consoliate H.D Limited, phoned him at about 9.00PM on January 25, saying the second son of the defendant, Emeka had gone to his (Sule) office at Asokoro to inquire about his home address from some individuals.

He added that Ohakim’s son had allegedly approached three people, whose name he gave simply as Okon (a driver), Akpabor( a driver) and Shola (an architect) for Sule’s home address.

“We will apply at his stage that a word of caution and concern go out. If it repeats itself, we shall bring appropriate application before the court over the development” Keyamo said

Responding, Ohakim’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN) expressed dismay at what he described as Keyamo’s outburst, arguing that the issue ought to have been discussed at another gathering rather than blowing it open.

Uche said “ I have no doubt that what the prosecution has said amounts to destabilizing the defence. 

Keyamo had been sitting directly behind us for more than one hour before the case was called but he didn’t raise the matter. He also saw the defendant eyeball to eyeball when he came to our seats, yet he didn’t discuss the matter.

“ Now, it is in the internet and it will be in the press tomorrow” He said

He urged the court to dismiss the story as unfounded, adding that the prosecution could file an application to formally bring the issue before the Court.