Yakubu Busari
The Prosecution Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) ,Barr Wahab Shittu has tendered an application seeking the Federal High Court sitting in Jos Division to withdraw charges against late Alh Sambo Mohammed Tumu of Gombe state who died in car accident.
In a case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Former Governor of Gombe State, Sen. Danjuma Goje and 3 orders who are standing trial of money laundering in Jos, the 4th accused person died in a car accident.
Barrister Shittu told the court, it is with heavy heart, and indeed on behalf of EFCC we express our deepest condolences to the family and people of Gombe state over the untimely death of Alh Tumu who happen to be a very close jovial person.
I was hearing it but today and it was confirmed officially before this honourable court, we are very sad each time a state loses a citizen; his demise particularly touched me so I remain silent.
So my Lord it is not the policy or responsibility of the state anywhere to prosecute the dead anywhere in the world.
However, Alh Sambo Mohammed is a humble man and I hereby apply for withdrawal charges against the 4th defendant, as he formerly urged the court that his name should formerly be stroke out which is our own humble application.
Two senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chris Uche and Paul Erokoro earlier told the court that Alh Sambo Mohammed Tumu died in motor accident leaving behind four wives and 33 children.
Chris Uche loaded the court with the certificate of death and copies of the car accident pictures at the scene of the incident.
He said we tendering his dead certificate before this honourable court to let the court know that the fourth defendant was loyal, humble citizen.
While ruling on the application, Justice Musa Kurya said as members of the jurist they’re sad over the sudden dead.
He officially stroke out the name of the 4th defendant in the list of the Four accused persons by condolence to first, second and third defendants who were all in court.
