PROSECUTION counsel in the $2.2 million (N270 million) money laundering case against former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, Festus Keyamo alleged before an open court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola that Ohakim’s son, Emeka Ohakim threatened the life of a prosecution witness, Abu Sule.

This allegation was strongly opposed by defence counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), who said the matter shouldn’t have been brought to the open without prior discussion with the defence and the accused. A statement from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren read that the judge was visibly disturbed over the allegation and shared the same view with the defence counsel.

The drama that ensued after Keyamo’s allegation had stalled the cross-examination of prosecution witness, Abu Sule as the human rights how the accused’s son, Emeka Ohakim, allegedly went on the trail of the prosecution witness.

“Addressing Justice Ademola of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, Keyamo said the PW2, Sule, who is Managing Director, Tweenex Consociate H.D. Limited, called him at about 9.00p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2016, saying that the second son of the defendant, Emeka Ohakim, had gone to his (Sule’s) office at Asokoro to inquire about his home address from some individuals,” Uwujaren narrated.

According to Keyamo, Ohakim had allegedly approached three people, whose names he gave simply as Okon (a driver), Akpabor (a driver) and Shola (an architect) for Sule’s home address.

“We don’t want to distract the court from this trial. But I thought it goes beyond the issue of counsel to counsel because it touches on the administration of justice and protection of the witness concerned. We will apply, at this stage that a word of caution and concern goes out. If it repeats itself, we shall bring appropriate application before the court over the development,” Keyamo had threatened.

Lead counsel to the defendant, Chris Uche expressed shock at what he described as Keyamo’s outburst, saying that the matter should have been discussed at another gathering rather than blow it in the open. “I have no doubt that what the prosecution has said amounts to destabilizing the defence. Keyamo had been sitting directly behind us for more than one hour before the case was called, but he didn’t raise the matter. He also saw the defendant eyeball to eyeball when he came to our seats, yet he didn’t discuss the matter. Now, it is on the Internet and it will be in the press tomorrow,” Uche said, urging the court to dismiss the story as unfounded.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Adeniyi, who was visibly disturbed about the allegation, said there was no harm if the prosecution had hinted the defendant and his counsels about the incident.

“I am a bit disturbed. It is a very serious allegation. We can’t deny the fact that it also touches on the defendant himself. Alternatively, you could have asked to seek audience with me in chambers in the presence of the defence counsel and the defendant,” the judge said.

According to the defence, prosecution had failed to handle the matter properly. But Keyamo reacted by saying ‘‘I find it extremely objectionable. He has said things about my person, whereas I have never said anything about him. I will not treat an issue of threat to life in private! There is no rule of legal practice that says such an issue should be discussed in private. It depends on my judgment.’’

The case was adjourned till today, January 27 for continuation of trial.
Ohakim is being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly making a cash payment of $2.2 million for a piece of land at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No. 60, Kwame Nkuruma Street, Asokoro, Abuja.