Court Strikes Out Oil Mogul's Rights Suit, Upholds Criminal Prosecution
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed Chief Jim Chimezie Okolo's fundamental rights lawsuit, allowing the criminal prosecution to proceed
- Okolo and co-defendants accused of attempting to extort $5 million from Sir Emeka Okwuosa and Oilserv Ltd. over the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline contract
- Justice G.K. Olotu gave details on why Okolo's rights suit was dismissed amid the ongoing trial, including intimidation, perjury, and evidence fabrication
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FCT, Abuja - A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights lawsuit filed by Chief Jim Chimezie Okolo, CEO of Jimez Petroleum Resources Limited, allowing the case against him on charges of intimidation and attempted extortion to proceed.
Source: UGC
In a judgment delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/197/2021, Justice G.K. Olotu ruled that Okolo's lawsuit was without merit, dismissing his claims against the Department of State Services and Attorney General of the Federation, as reported by The Independent.
The court held that the agency's actions in arresting, investigating, and prosecuting Okolo were constitutional and lawful.
Okolo had taken legal action against Sir Emeka Okwuosa and others, claiming wrongful arrest and seeking court protection from future suits. He also sought N500 million in damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights.
The court ruled in favour of Sir Okwuosa, determining that he had the right to report the alleged threats and extortion to the authorities. Following a thorough investigation, the DSS referred its findings to the AGF, who subsequently filed charges, a process the court deemed proper and in line with the law.
Chief Okolo is currently standing trial on a 17-count charge before Justice S.U. Bature of the FCT High Court in Maitama. The charges against him include intimidation, perjury, supplying false information to public officials, and evidence fabrication, as seen in the case of FRN v. Jim Okolo & 3 Ors.
According to court filings, Okolo and his co-defendants allegedly attempted to extort $5 million or five per cent of the value of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline contract from Sir Okwuosa and Oilserv Ltd., claiming they helped secure the $2.8 billion deal.
When the demand was rebuffed, they allegedly made threats. Sir Okwuosa, in a formal petition to the DSS, denied any such agreement and maintained that Oilserv had won the contract through a competitive and transparent bidding process.
Initially remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Okolo was later granted bail while the trial continues.
Tinubu tasked to sack petroleum regulatory boss
Legit.ng previously reported that the Arewa Youths Forum for Equity and Transparency (AYFET) has sent an urgent message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations against Farouk Ahmed.
On Thursday, July 17, Arewa Youth Group declared that it is no longer morally defensible for Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is to remain in public office following revelations that he spent over $5.5 million on the foreign education of his children.
Source: Legit.ng
