Saturday, 18 May 2013
Why The EFCC Will Have A Tough Task Prosecuting Wale Babalakin
Wale Babalakin
By SaharaReporters, New York
A new twist was today introduced to the planned trial of shady businessman Wale Babalakin as a Federal High Court judge, Mohammed Idris, issued a surprise order effectively halting Mr. Babalakin's arraignment for fraud before a Lagos High Court.
As prosecutors, reporters and court officials waited for Mr. Babalakin’s appearance, his lawyers claimed that he had suddenly fallen ill and was receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. They therefore pleaded with the judge to postpone the trial. As soon as prosecutors left the court room they received an order from a Federal judge ordering that all forms of activity be ceased until further hearing was scheduled. The new date the Federal judge set for further hearing conflicted with the date Mr. Babalakin’s trial is scheduled to commence at the Lagos High Court- December 12 2012.
Mohammed Idris, the Federal High Court judge at the center of the latest judicial maneuvers to stop Mr. Babalakin’s trial, is a son of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Legbo Kutigi. The former CJN had advised his son, Mohammed, to change his last name. The name change was a ploy to enable the former CJN secure appointments for two of his sons into the Federal High Court during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration at the same time. Mr. Obasanjo is Wale Babalakin's godfather and benefactor. A third son of Mr. Kutigi, Ibrahim, was given a job at the Petroleum Equalization Fund shortly after the 2007 elections, as opposition parties mounted a legal challenge to the “election” of the late President Umaru Yar'adua the AGF had to personally intervene to keep the junior Kutigi at his PEF job.
While one of Mr. Kutigi’s sons, Justice Mohammed Idris (whose order today blocked Mr. Babalakin’s trial), was appointed to the Federal High Court, another of the former CJN's sons named Abubakar Idris Kutigi was appointed to the Abuja Federal Capital Territory High Court. Several judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the two judges have established a reputation as “justices for hire.”
Mr. Babalakin’s use of the ruse of illness to shield himself from criminal prosecution dates back to the mid-1990s when he was arrested and arraigned for looting funds from the defunct CTL Bank based in Victoria Island Extension in Lagos. Mr. Babalakin, who was the then chairman of the bank, was accused of helping himself to depositors’ funds.
The Abacha regime arrested Mr. Babalakin and took him to the Enugu Division of the Failed Banks Tribunal for trial. But in a maneuver that bears eerie resemblance to the present one, a Federal High Court headed by Justice Alfa Belgore ruled that the tribunal could not try Mr. Babalakin. The tribunal then ruled that Mr. Babalakin be kept in prison custody pending the resolution of the intervening court order. Shortly after his detention in Enugu Prisons, Mr. Babalakin fraudulently obtained a medical report requesting that he be transferred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital for "treatment." He consequently spent two years in the hospital. During the period of his ostensible illness and hospitalization, he reportedly got his wife pregnant.
After his release, Mr. Babalakin hitched up with James Ibori, a sleek and desperate vagrant newly returned from London where he had had two convictions for relatively small crimes.
Mr. Ibori, who is serving a 13-year jail sentence in the UK, would later become the governor of Delta State and Babalakin’s friendship with Ibori led to the unprecedented looting of Delta state treasury, which is now source of the planned trial.
Despite his shady past, Mr. Babalakin was later bestowed with the status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and later appointed as a member of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria. The body is responsible for administering the call to bar of legal practitioners and the discipline of the legal practitioners in Nigeria. In addition, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri in Borno State.
In yet another interesting twist, Mr. Babalakin’s construction firm built the Lagos courtroom where his trial was slated to take place. Each of the court buildings was originally awarded to be built for N800 million by the Lagos State government.
However, Mr. Babalakin reportedly arm-twisted the subsequent civilian regimes in Lagos State, including former Governor Bola Tinubu, to vary the contracts claiming that costs had skyrocketed. He ended up receiving N2 billion for each of the high court buildings, according to a source in the Lagos State government.
Mr. Babalakin’s father, Bolarinwa Oyegoke Babalakin, retired as a justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. A source who has known the Babalakins for a long time said the elder jurist often used his wide connections within judicial and legal circles to help shield his fraudulent son from the long arms of the law. One legal observer told Saharareporters that it would be impossible to prosecute Mr. Babalakin because of his father's influence. “Besides, several judges are on his payroll, including those who regularly use his high-priced guest house in Abuja for temporary accommodation,” said the source.
Mr. Babalakin is also known to be very close to Nigeria’s Attorney General, Mohammed Bello Adoke. Mr. Adoke, whose reputation for corruption and influence peddling rivals that of his predecessor, Michael Aondoakaa, has intervened on Mr. Babalakin’s behalf, a source at the EFCC told SaharaReporters. “Since we declared Chief Babalakin wanted for money laundering, the AGF has made it clear to us that we should be soft with his friend,” said a source who works for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Even so, Mr. Babalakin's legal troubles may prove hard to wish away so quickly. The EFCC source disclosed that Mr. Babalakin’s case is linked to former Governor Ibori's larger money laundering case that spans three continents. Mr. Ibori's paper, the Daily Independent, has orchestrated a steady campaign portraying Mr. Babalakin as a victim of a power-hungry EFCC. “Considering what we know about the man [Mr. Babalakin], I have no doubt that he will not escape justice in Nigeria,” said our EFCC source. He added: “But if he manages to escape here, they will eventually get him in Britain or the US.”
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Wale Babalakin's travails, a curse frm family
Submitted by wole (not verified) on January 17, 2013 - 07:49.
Where 2elephants fight d grass suffers is d explanatn of d issue on ground.Wale is sufferin frm d plaque of feud btw Gej&OBJ.Gej is d power behind noise-makin false threat efcc is makin.Wale is appearin in cot 2day & efcc is declarin him wanted.I see a drama there.honestly efcc is dancin to d tune of power,Gel.efcc is a mumu and imbecile agency.efcc is more corrupt dan Wale,if not y do efcc want to chop or inherit $15,000 Delta state gov.thief dey pursue thief.I knw wale assisted ibori to get a jet wen ibori was rulin and not wen he had been convicted. How can u b askin someone where he gets money frm wen he ashs u 2 buy somthn 4him.As at d time of business,it a legal one.Wale has no connection or intention of lauderin money..May be its a course frm his family,bcos I av full knowlege dat he doent help any close relative like cousins,aunts,retched uncles and all that but he likes showin off and helpin outsiders.its a course!
do not throw away the bay with the bath water
Submitted by jibosa (not verified) on December 3, 2012 - 09:24.
just like every other cases with the merit and the demerit, why do we always throw away sensitive cases becouse of some little crack? At least either for a personal reason or justice to prevail OBJ allowed Bode George to be Isolated from his home for some period in his life!! GJ should for once Bite and enough of this barking. Even the ordinary boko haram is even trying the government. Pls, GJ do some thing.
BALANCED REPORT?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 1, 2012 - 05:45.
@Anonymous, it is obvious that you do not discern the palpable tension and stress ordinary citizens feel as a result of the corrupt system that SR reports provide us with insight. The day will come and it is here now that "the rules will be re-written" in blood! Write it down. The elite who constitute the ruling class have refused to read the "handwriting on the wall"!
It is not known here in Nigeria but in Ghana, the corrupt ruling class defended by the army fiercely opposed the small band of rebels who eventually caught up with their army chief in the Police Inspector General's office and killed him there. Following fierce gunfight at the cantonment, ONE soldier on the rebel side, left his gun, without any white flag, walk calmly across the road and took over the army position. The rebels crossed over and joined him. The rest is history. Analyse that!
re: babalakin
Submitted by oremi (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 21:14.
It is high time nigerians realize that the pdp govt in nigeria since 1999 was and is still a fraud. Nigerians sold on credit by accepting the presidential election results since 1999, so we really need a serious taskforce in our selves to recover our debts from the pdp. But first let us ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE SOLD ON CREDIT!
The other side of the story
Submitted by Victor (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 18:44.
The other side of the story is that Mr Babalakin construction firm was awarded contracts to build roads in Ondo State, learnt 70% of the money has been paid, yet not even 20% of the job has been executed.
CROSS-CHECK YOUR FACTS PLS.
Submitted by Agbejoro Adewale (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 17:53.
We are all against corruption by any form. We must all fight against this cancerous destroyer with all our energy. While doing this, we must beware of campaign of calumny.
You may accuse all the judges in Nigeria as corrupt but not Justice Idris of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. He is the most hardworking Judge in that Division. Attend one of his sittings and you will attest to what I'm saying. You cannot but admire him, He is fearless, intelligent, bold, courageous, just name it.
While I may not agree with his lordship in the instant case, I will never accused him of being corrupt. If you are fortunate to have a case in his court, whether you lose or win, you will still admire him.
In the North generally, you use your father's name and not your father's surname.
Justice Idris is the only Judge that I know will hire an Assistant as his Researcher and pay his salary from his own pocket.
OBASANJO SHOULD ASSIST.
Submitted by EMEKA USORO (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 17:34.
BIODUN ADEDIGBA, KOLA AKINBAMI AND WALE BABALAKIN THE THIEVING TRIOKA OF STABILINI VISIONI! NIGERIA IS IN TROUBLE. I believe till date that Obasanjo does not harbour criminals. He should help to get his god-son prosecuted and jailed. If he could do it for Sunday Afolabi, Tafa Balogun, why not Wale at least to prove his love for Nigeria. Over to you Agba Otta.
JUSTICE FOR SALE
Submitted by Blessing Oye (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 15:55.
I read with tears the turn of event in the case of Ibori associates.It is only God that can save this country but i know one thing God will judge all and sundries that is involved in this saga.The blood people that bleeds to death is crying.If truly there is justice in that country who is he among all the brillant Lawyers to be given all these polical offices.The end they say justify the means if the this case is wept under the carpet like that of Ibori case in Nigeria Judiciary.It is a pity that an array of Justices both serving and retired cannot take a bull by the horn. God will judge.
Re: Babalakin
Submitted by ken Osinowo (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 15:28.
Please note that Hon. Justice Idris of the Federal High Court is a highly respected, brilliant, vibrant, hard-working and honest judge. He cannot be bought. Please re-check your facts. Thank you.
Wale Babalakin.
Submitted by Leke (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 14:54.
This is a guy with PHD in law!A silverspoon kid studied abroad? How come we have degenerated to this low ebb.EFCC get the Scotland yard after him or the London MPP,he would be in jail within 3 months.Send his file to London.Nija courts "ti gba bode".Use Ibori's treatment.
Thanks.
CORRUPTION PLEASE HELP US!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 14:04.
I WILL NEVER JUSTIFY ANY CORRUPT OFFICIAL, BECAUSE WE ARE ALL VICTIMS OF THESE PEOPLE IN NIGERIA OF NO WATER NO LIGHT NO ROAD AND NO JOB. I AM MORE DISTURBED BY THE ONES LIKE FORMER SENATOR IYIOLA OMISORE (we are still not sure if he's really an Omisore, as his father once denounced him before) . THE WAY THIS THUG CUM POLITICIAN USE HIS STOLEN MONEY TO HARASS EVERYBODY THAT IS ANYBODY IN OSUN INCLUDING GOVERNOR AREGBESOLA THAT IS TRYING TO BETTER OUR LOTS FROM THIS THIEVING FORMER BOYS IS UN CALLED FOR IN ANY CIVILIZED SOCIETY. OTHER ONES STEAL OUR MONEY AND RELAX BUT IYIOLA TERRORIZES US TRYING TO BUY HIS WAY TO BE GOVERNOR MAYBE FROM PRISON AGAIN!!. SOMEONE HELP US ASK HIM WHAT HE DID WITH OUR ALLOCATIONS AS OUR SENATOR BEFORE THE LEARNED SENATOR WE HAVE NOW ?. IYIOLA BREEDS THUGS ALL OVER HERE BECAUSE HE IS A THUG HIMSELF. WE NEED WELL MEANING AND EDUCATED PEOPLE IN OSUN NOT THUGS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD P L E A S E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JUSTICE IDRIS MOHAMMED NOT A JUDGE FOR HIRE
Submitted by Henry (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 13:08.
I have had the priviledge of appearing before Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris to handle a number of cases. So I can confidently attest that he is a sound judge with a good knowledge of the Law.
Without holding brief for him, I believe it is totally wrong to say that he is known as a judge for hire. Pls lets not destroy everyone in this country. Let us help to build those who are ready to work for the country. Being the son of a notable person in the society should not be a disqualication more tha it is a qualification. A person should be judged by his own personal capabilities.
efcc and babalakin
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 10:53.
now dat d kutigis are involved babalakin has escaped justice 4 he has d money 2 hire justice God help d ordinary nigerian
babalakin
Submitted by femi Jaiyeola (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 09:49.
How on earth sould a man like Dr babalakin be on the body of benchers.it baffles one to imagine that those we think leave above board are nothing but common criminals.
I was opportuned to meet him during the national political reform conference in 2005 and he spoke like someone who would not do anything like what we are hearing now.it's quite unfortunate that the children of those who jointly ruined nigeria have taken off from where their thieving fathers left us.
May God help us.
the Babalakins, cry my beloved country
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 09:39.
It's a pity, how long are we going to continue like this, corruption is increasing at an alarming rate and we have no clean hands to bail Us out! Such people like Babalakins are suppose to be where Ibori is, cry my beloved country, maybe one day we will get the needed revolution that we need,
WALE BABALAKIN
Submitted by AIYEKOTO (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 09:30.
IS IBORI THE ONLY OR THE WORST CORRUPT LIVING NIGERIA?
Is it not time for the EFCC to move on and close the Ibori chapter since he had been convicted in the UK and already serving his sentence? Are we sure EFCC is not using Ibori as a smokescreen to cover its inefficiency and partiality? I am tired of EFCC sensationalising anything that can be linked with Ibori as if corruption starts and ends with Ibori. I think EFCC should stop witch hunting Ibori's associates and start pursuing other corrupt government officials who are bleeding us to death economically. Lest we forget, Papa E. K. Clark was found to be the most corrupt federal minister under Gowon and was stripped of many assets that were published in the national papers. Behold! The same Papa Clark is now a saint, anti-curruption activist, elder statesman, Leader of Ijaws and, above all, the Godfather to brother GEJ.
Only in Nigeria
Submitted by Rommel (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 09:10.
Only in Nigeria will a thif go to court and ask the court to stop anybody from prosecuting him/her,this is a shame and today our judiciary has become the incubator for corruption,let them continue with this impunity and call it rule of law,one day,we will rewrite those rules
Adoke is a disgrace to Nigeria Judiciary
Submitted by Adewole Kenny (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 08:42.
The Attorney General, Mohammed Bello Adoke is a disgrace to the Nigeria Judiciary and it is better for the GEJ administration to fire this man now before he becomes a bone to the throat of the President and the entire Judiciary system of Nigeria.
Wonders shall never end. A
Submitted by Ugo (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 06:22.
Wonders shall never end. A crook be conferred with the highest Bar honour of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. God pls come to the rescue of this nation
This report seems to have
Submitted by Bayo Omolola (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 05:49.
This report seems to have crucified Wale Babalakin before judgement. I think reporting should be done in a way that a language of bias should not be obvious. My opinion here does not me I am defending the man. Of course, the law must take its course.
Try to be balance with your report
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 30, 2012 - 05:30.
As much as I respect Sahara reporters for their vibrancy in investigative journalism. I won't for any reason adopt your sense of Judgement in Babalakin's matter. You are more of an antagonist than a reporter in this case.
We all know that not all investigations come out to be the way it is perceived at the end of the thourough search.
A legal maxim says "Audi alterem partem" which interepretes "Hear the other side" haven't been adopted since the commencement of your report on Babalakin's case.
Please take note.
