THE Federal Government, on Thursday, withdrew six-count
criminal charge against two journalists and their employer, Leadership Group
Ltd.
Meanwhile, counsel
for the accused, Femi Falana, has brought a notice of preliminary objection,
challenging the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the Federal
High Court to hear and determine the complaint.
The notice of
withdrawal/discontinuance of charges, dated April 30, 2013 and filed on
Thursday, May 2, read: “Take notice that the complainant, the Attorney General
of the Federation, intends that the criminal proceedings consisting six-counts
charge against the accused persons, Tony Amokeodo, Chibuzor Ukaibe, LEADERSHIP
Group Ltd, be discontinued and the six-count against them are hereby
withdrawn.”
Chief
Adegboyega Awomolo, private prosecutor signed for the Attorney-General of the
Federation and Minister of justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
However, in
his notice of preliminary objection, Falana said the court, as currently
constituted, lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain and determine the
complaint and consequently sought an order to strike out and/or dismiss the
complaint for want of jurisdiction.
The trial
judge adjourned the case till May 16.
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