By Akpokona Omafuaire
WARRI -THE Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, purported trial in absentia of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo is void, just as it condemn the process that it is invitation to anarchy.
This was contained in a statement yesterday in Warri, Delta State by Comrade Austin Ozobo, IPDI National President.
Ozobo said that the trial is null and void as no law gives credence to try anybody in absentia as no criminal proceedings can go on without arrest.
According to the group, "Tompolo's trial is tricky and dicey, it has no precedence and there is a lacuna in the judicial system"
"EFCC goofed as arraignment of someone in absentia is not a known practice in law.
"EFCC is acting on illegality and playing a political script, and as such it is an abuse of court processes and invitation to anarchy."
"Even in an instance of conspiracy, and one was arrested, the court can not punish the arrested accused person on crimes committed by the escapee because offences are not transferrabe.
"There is no provision in the law or court rules that allows a person to be tried in absentia.
"The EFCC is on a void legal voyage, whatever be the reasons of his trial, charging him with the former NIMASA DG, Ziakede Akpobolokemi is a lacuna in the judicial system.
"Imagine, the kangaroo trial, it is a political bazaar and jamboree, how can you prosecute without arrest? It is hasty and laughable."
Ozobo added that a government that does not have respect for court oders does not have a moral right to bring others before a court and expect them to comply.
"A government that does not have respect for courts orders does not have a moral right to bring it's citizens and expect them to comply too."
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