The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has upheld a fundamental rights action brought by Abuja-based lawyer Dr Ted Iseghohi-Edwards, challenging his treatment over legal services connected with the London and Paris Club refunds.
Justice Suleiman Belgore ruled that the lawyer’s rights had been violated through arrest, detention and continuing threats of prosecution, according to Source, in a report published on October 20.
The respondents included the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Attorney-General of the Federation, Inspector-General of Police and Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Iseghohi-Edwards had been engaged by the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria to represent the country’s 774 local government areas in the refund matters.
The court voided an EFCC report dated August 14, 2024, which accused him of fraud. According to the published account, the judge found that it conflicted with earlier investigative reports and faulted its basis.
Justice Belgore also recognised the contractual relationship between the lawyer and ALGON and upheld the validity of promissory notes issued pursuant to an existing court order.
The court granted 20 of the applicant’s 21 reliefs and restrained further harassment or prosecution concerning the same refund matters covered by the proceedings.
The decision arose from a fundamental rights enforcement action, rather than an acquittal following a criminal trial.
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