By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
Justice Taiwo Oladipupo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice AGF to take over the prosecution of former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim over an alleged possession of nude photos
The police had initially filed criminal charges against Chief Ohakim over allegation of threat to the life of an Abuja based woman, Mrs Chinyere Amuchienwa.
While waiting for Ohakim to be arraigned in court, the police latter filed a notice of discountenance of the matter in March, same day the AGF informed the court that he has taken over prosecution of Ohakim.
In the drama that ensued, the Police insisted in court that the AGF cannot take over the case while in a counter affidavit, the AGF informed the court that he has constitutional powers to take over any case at any stage in any court in the country.
According to the charge number, FHC/ABJ/CS/287/2020, Ohakim and Chinedu Okpareke were alleged to have threatened to release a nude photograph of Chinyere Amuchienwa, if she fails to drop charges of attempted kidnap against them.
Specifically, Ohakim and Okpareke were dragged to the court by the police over allegations of threat to life and harassment of Amuchienwa.
However, in a ruling on Monday, Justice Taiwo held that there was no doubt that the AGF has unfettered power to prosecute.
The court said where issues have been joined in a criminal matter, notice of discountenance is brought by way of motion on notice.
Consequently, Justice Taiwo stated that the court cannot give effect to the notice of discountenance filed by the police.
The trial judge insisted that the move by police to discontinue the matter lacked merit.
The court then fixed October 21, for the arraignment of the former Governor as well as commencement of trial.