The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of Professor Ladi Hamalai, former Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
The arrest warrant was based on her failure to appear in a corruption case brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, AIT said on Friday.
On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Court presided over by Justice C. O. Oba issued a bench warrant for Professor Hamalai’s arrest after she allegedly failed to appear for her trial on multiple occasions.
The ICPC Counsel informed the court that it is the fourth straight time that the former NILDS Director-General has refused to honour the Commission’s invitation to appear in the matter after being properly served.
In the suit charge number: FCT/HC/CR/312/23, the ICPC is accusing Professor Hamalai of using her office to confer corrupt advantage upon herself by making a request for the sum of N12 million to rent a guest house for her office but used the amount to purchase a property for herself at Gwarimpa area of Abuja.
The Commission, in a four-count charge also accused the former DG of requesting for another sum of N29 million for the furnishing of the building as Government Guest House.
ICPC Prosecutor, Michael Adesola told the court that the former DG was served the arraignment notice but was surprised she was not in court.
On her part, Olayemi Afolayan who is Counsel to Professor Hamalai informed the court that her client was sick, hence the absence.
Justice Oba however ruled that having failed to appear in court, the ICPC should effect the arrest of the former DG and produce her in court at the next adjourned date.
The matter was adjourned till 9th of September, 2024.
Be the first to comment