Alleged N100.38bn theft: FG discontinues case against Mohammed Abacha

By Ahmed I. Shekarau

In an action that is widely seen to have links with the politics of 2015 elections, the federal government yesterday discontinued the suit it filed against son of late head of state, Mohammed Abacha, over alleged stealing of N100.38 billion belonging to the nation.

Thus, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT )High Court  hearing the matter yesterday, discharged Abacha, in the case of allegedly receiving N100.38 billion worth of  stolen property.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, on behalf of the federal government, had filed a nine-count charge against Abacha.

But Justice Mamman Kolo of the FCT High Court discharged Abacha after federal government’s Counsel, Mr. Daniel Enwelum, made an oral application asking the court to withdraw the criminal charges against the suspect.

The judge also granted the application for discontinuation of trial, which was not opposed by the defence counsel, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the federal government’s counsel told the court that he was instructed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to withdraw the charges.

Enwelum argued that the application became necessary in view of emerging facts and circumstances of the case. The prosecution thereafter filed a notice of discontinuation of the case.

It would be recalled that Enwelum was hired by government to prosecute the case to its logical conclusion.

The AGF alleged that Abacha had received property worth N100.38 billion between 1995 and 1998, which was allegedly acquired unlawfully by the father and later forfeited to government.

Mohammed Abacha recently defected from the mega opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His defection is seen as part of steps to fortify President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 presidential campaign in Kano, a major opposition stronghold in the North.