Prosecuting Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, in the case of financial charge against Timipre Sylva, Mr. Festus Keyamo has announced his withdrawal from the case, alleging some recent development that could hamper the effective, efficient and vigorous prosecution of the Charge.
In a letter addressed to the Commission and made available to DAILY POST, The lawyer, however, was not emphatic about the reason for the withdrawal.
He however advised the Commission to contact another lawyer that could prosecute the case to a logical conclusion.
Meanwhile, the trial of the case has been fixed for the 25th of May, 2015.
Full letter below:
Friday, May 22, 2015
The Chairman,
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Wuse II,
Abuja.
Dear Sir,
WITHDRAWAL AS PROSECUTING COUNSEL IN CHARGE NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2012: BETWEEN: THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA V. TIMIPRE SYLVA.
Kindly recall that sometime in 2012, the Commission briefed my Chambers to prosecute CHARGE NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2012; BETWEEN: THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA V. TIMIPRE SYLVA. Since then, we have diligently prosecuted the Charge and successful opposed the bid of the accused person to quash the Charge in limine. The court ruled in our favour for the trial to commence and the Court of Appeal also refused to stay proceedings in the trial.
However, certain recent developments (in respect of which I would prefer not to elaborate) have necessitated my decision to withdraw from further prosecution of the said Charge. This is because these recent developments may hamper my effective, efficient and vigorous prosecution of the Charge, duties that are expected of every prosecutor.
Permit me, therefore, to return the case files to the Commission for re-assignment to another counsel for due prosecution.
Kindly note that the trial of the case has been fixed for the 25th of May, 2015.
Thank you.
Yours most trusted,
FESTUS KEYAMO, ESQ.
Head of Chambers
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