THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned the suspended chairman of the House of Representatives' committee on Capital market, Honourable Herman Hembe and his Deputy, Hon. Azubuogu Ifeanyi before Justice Peter Kekemeke of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).
The case was transferred from Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar's court to Kekemeke's sequel to a petition by the EFCC alleging bias on the part of the former trial judge.
EFCC was dissatisfied with the proceeding which allowed the accused beside the dock instead of inside throughout the trial period.
Following the allegation of bias against justice Umar, the Chief Judge, CJ, of the FCT Judiciary, Justice Lawal H. Gummi reassigned the matter, for fresh trial.
When the matter was mentioned Monday, Prosecuting Counsel, Onjefu Obe made an oral application for the accuse persons to take a fresh plea, in line with the Criminal Procedure Code, CPC.
Though, counsels to the accused persons, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Emeka Etiaba, did not object to the prosecution's prayer, they, nonetheless, urged the court to allow the accused remain on the bail terms earlier granted by justice Umar, moreso that they have kept faith with the stipulated conditions, one of which is to attend trial proceedings.
Okutepa, counsel to Hembe, also protested what he considered an attempt by the EFCC to "intimidate and ridicule the Nigerian judiciary."
