Go And Face Trial,’ Supreme Court Orders Dariye

NEARLY eight years after he was first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Supreme Court yesterday ordered former Plateau State governor, Chief Joshua Dariye, to submit himself for trial on corruption and money laundering charges before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

  The apex court, in a unanimous ruling by a panel of five justices, threw out the former governor’s appeal for lacking in merit. 

  Justices Sylvester Ngwuta, who read the judgment, resolved the four issues for determination by the court against the appellant.

  The Justice, according to a statement signed by the Commission’s Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, ruled: “So, the appeal has no merit. It is hereby dismissed. The appellant should go back to the High Court of the FCT, Abuja to stand his trial on the charges levelled against him.”

  The EFCC had in 2007 arraigned Dariye before Justice Adebukola Banjoko on a 23-count charge. 

  He pleaded not guilty and the trial Judge fixed November 13, 2007 for the commencement of trial. 

  Before the adjourned date, Dariye challenged the jurisdiction and competence of the court, but his application was dismissed on December 13, 2007 as lacking in merit.

  He lost his appeal against the ruling at the Court of Appeal and proceeded to the Supreme Court.

   Justice Ngwuta described his action as sad commentary on the country’s fight against corruption.