UPDATED: Nigerian Government Withdraws Charges Against Ribadu

PHOTO: MALLAM NUHU RIBADU.

San Francisco March 31, (THEWILL) – The federal government of Nigeria on Wednesday withdrew all charges filed against Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, clearing the path for the anti-corruption crusader to return to Nigeria.

Ribadu, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was charged for allegedly failing to declare his assets while he was chairman of the commission.

Though information on the development is still sketchy, THEWILL gathered from sources familiar with the development that the order to discontinue Ribadu’s prosecution was issued by Nigeria’s Acting president, Goodluck Jonathan.

At the tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Attorney General’s office, represented by Dr. J. O. Olatoke informed the tribunal of government’s decision to discontinue the trial.

Ribadu’s counsel, Mr. Samuel Ogalla, had earlier informed the Acting Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Murtala A. Sani (SAN), of his intention to submit an application to the court to strike out the suit against Ribadu.

Having heard the Olatoke’s application, Justice Sani advised him to formalize his application for withdrawal of the case for proper documentation and present it at the court’s next sitting on April 8, 2010. 


Explaining government's decision after court proceedings, Olatoke said the former Attorney General, Adetokunbo Kayode ordered the withdrawal before the cabinet was dissolved.

"The former Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), reviewed the cases on ground and directed that this case should be withdrawn."

The Federal Government under Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has been making efforts to bring Ribadu back to Nigeria promising to drop all charges against him and restoring his rank in the Nigerian Police Force.

He was demoted by two ranks from Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) before he was fired from the force after refusing to resume in Benin City, Edo State as a DCP.

Coincidentally, the present Inspector General of Police, Ogbonnaya Onovo led the Police Disciplinary Committee that recommended Ribadu’s sack.

Ribadu would likely be appointed an Adviser on anti-corruption by Jonathan. It is not clear whether the EFCC led by his archrival, Farida Waziri would report to his office.