Judge orders EFCC to produce Tarfa’s clients in court

JUSTICE Toyin Taiwo of the Lagos High Court has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce Gnanhoue Sourou Nazaire and Senou Modeste Finagnon, two foreign clients of a senior advocate of Nigeria, Rickey Tarfa, who were arrested ten days ago at the court premises.

The detained two Beninoise were arrested for alleged stealing by the anti-graft agency but failed to produce them in court yesterday, hence the order for production was issued.

The request for warrant of production was made by their counsel, Tarfa, who led John Olusegun Odubela, Abubakar Shamsudeen, Mumini Bamidele and Grant Onwuka.

Subsequently, Justice Taiwo issued warrant of production on EFCC to the effect that the anti-graft agency should bring them to court on Wednesday February 17, 2016.

In a commando-style, the accused were allegedly arrested inside the court room of a Lagos High Court along with Tarfa on February 5, 2016. They were alleged to have stolen some money which belong to Rana Prestige Manufacturer Industries Nigeria Limited, contrary to sections 285 and 390 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17 Vol. 2 of the Laws of Lagos State.

Tarfa was arrested together with his clients following an allegation that he kicked against the re- arrest of the accused by EFCC officials after they have been granted bail.

They alleged that Tarfa obstructed the course of justice by his action. But Tarfa’s chambers dismissed the allegation. In a statement, the firm said that Tarfa was at no point in any position to obstruct the course of justice among the EFCC operatives.

“It is germane to state that the matter before the court has no bearing with corruption related issue. It is purely between a husband and wife struggling for a control of a manufacturing company they jointly promoted. It is purely a matrimonial issue that went sour.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we need to put it in the public domain that contrary to the blatant lies ditched out by the EFCC, Tarfa was at the Lagos High Court in continuation of his professional duty to defend his clients, Ghanhoue Sourous Nazaire and Zenou Modeste”, the firm stated.

While Tarfa has been released on bail and a two-count charge slammed against him at the Lagos High court, he equally filed a fundamental enforcement action against the anti-graft agency at the Federal high court, Lagos. The matter is before Justice Mohammed Idris.Joined as respondents are the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Mr Moses Awolusi, and Mr Iliyasu Kwabai.