Gladys Olotu: Judge withdraws from cases against EFCC, NJC

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, December 8, withdrew from two suits brought by a former Judge of the court, Gladys Olotu.

Olotu had been under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged fraud and money laundering.

The retired judge had, through her counsel, Mr. Okey Obikeze (SAN), on March 24, instituted the fundamental human rights suit to restrain the EFCC and other security and anti-corruption agencies from investigating her.

Olotu was compulsorily retired by President Goodluck Jonathan, on February 25, over allegations of gross misconduct, following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption, a non-governmental organization had petitioned the EFCC alleging that Olotu and two other judges of the Federal High Court were holding “huge sums of money” in various bank accounts.

It would be the second time Justice Ademola would withdraw from the case files, after initially withdrawing on July 10, but had the case files transferred to him again.

His action was in line with the application of counsel for the National Judicial Council, Mr. Philip Jimoh-Lasisi (SAN), who expressed concerns that the judge would be bias in the case.

Ruling, Justice Ademola held that in view of the contention of likelihood of bias, he would return the case files to the Chief Judge for his decision on the issue.