Court Strikes Out Charge Against Lagos businessman

AISHA ABUBAKAR

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out a charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a businessman, Mr. Kassim Alim Adeleke and his firm, Liquid Waves Energy Limited.

Justice Mojisola Dada gave the order following the voluntary withdrawal of the charge, marked ID/15814C/2021, by the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC had informed the judge that the civil dispute between Adeleke and the complainant, CFS Financial Services Ltd, which gave rise to the charge had been successfully resolved by the parties.

The court was informed via an affidavit of facts and a notice of withdrawal of the complainant’s petition to the Commission, that the charge arose from a simple civil and commercial transaction involving an auto lease finance contract, which dispute was resolved, with parties resuming their business relationship.

During the proceedings on July 13, Counsel for the defendants, informed the Court that the voluntary withdrawal of the petition against the defendants by the complainant was an indication to the Commission that it was no longer interested in pursuing any charge against the defendant.

On confirmation of the Affidavits deposed to by the complainant stating the withdrawal of the petition and disinterestedness in the case, the court struck out the charge.

Justice Dada held: “Upon this matter coming up today, the 13th day of July. 2022 before this honourable court for further report:

“And after hearing Ahmed Yerima for the Prosecution and Counsel to the defendant Defendants.

“Counsel to defendants informed the court that the Defence has filed an Affidavit of facts dated 14/06/2022 and another one dated 15 06/2022 and also a notice of withdrawal of the petition to the Commission.

“Mr. Yerima confirmed that he received these Affidavits of facts and leaves the matter to the discretion of the Court.

“The court ordered as follows: ‘That the matter be and is hereby accordingly struck out’.”

Mr. Adeleke and his firm had been arraigned by the EFCC in February 2022 following a complaint by the firm.

But he pleaded not guilty. Through his lawyer protested his Innocence.