Embattled former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole yesterday filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights pursuant to Fundamental rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rule.
Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/5654/11, dated June 6, was apparently filed on his behalf by Yemi Oke of MJS Partners just hours after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) finally arrested him. Mr. Bankole had evaded the Commission’s investigators for two weeks, refusing to honour meetings he had agreed to. Bankole’s suit is seeking an order of court directing the EFCC to release him pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit which is aimed at enforcing his fundamental human rights.
Mr. Bankole”s key aides claimed that information about the lawsuit, which was discreetly filed by the counsel to the former Speaker, was leaked to the EFCC which promptly summoned Mr. Festus Keyamo to dust-up the old allegations against the Speaker which involve the purchase of cars and other items to form the basis of immediate charges against Bankole to pre-empt the outcome of his fundamental human rights suit.
"It is for this reason that Mr. Keyamo immediately rushed to the same Federal High court in Abuja to file a 16-count charge on Tuesday 7th June, one day after Bankole’s suit. The charges filed by Keyamo contained nothing about the allegations of the N10 billion Naira bank loan which supposedly formed the basis of the arrest and detention of Bankole. All items on the charge sheet were mainly from the old allegation of convoy car and office equipment purchase, which is an indication that he will be facing other charges in the future. " said Chief Kayode Odunaro.
However, Mr. Keyamo has said that the 16-count charges filed against Dimeji Bankole yesterday are only the first set of charges. Mr. Keyamo did not mention mention in his press release ay plans to charges Bankole , his key aides and bank officials involved in his $1 billion money laundering through several proxy accounts at the United Bank For Africa (UBA).
According to Keyamo, other charges pertaining to the Ten Billion Naira loan and the 407 Peugeot Car Scam shall be filed in due course.
The arraignment of Bankole is scheduled to takes place today Wednesday, June 8, 2011, before Justice Donatus Okorowa of the Federal High Court no.7, Abuja at 9:00am prompt.
Below Reliefs Being Sought By Bankole:
AN ORDER directing the Respondent to release forthwith the Applicant (Hon Oladimeji Bankole) pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
AND FOR such other order and further orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
The arraignment of Bankole is scheduled to takes place today Wednesday, June 8, 2011, before Justice Donatus Okorowa of the Federal High Court no.7, Abuja at 9:00am prompt.
Below Reliefs Being Sought By Bankole:
AN ORDER directing the Respondent to release forthwith the Applicant (Hon Oladimeji Bankole) pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
AND FOR such other order and further orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.