Our counsel misquoted in ALGON’s lawyer fraud allegation judgment – EFCC

By Vivian Okejeme

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Monday, cleared that its counsel, Larry Peters Aso’s reaction to the judgment in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by a legal practitioner, Dr Ted Iseghoi-Edwards was misquoted.

Justice Suleiman Belgore of the federal capital territory(FCT) high court, reportedly cleared Iseghoi-Edwards of alleged fraud relating to services rendered to the nation’s 774 local government councils.

Also, the court in its judgement, disagreed with the agency regarding its investigation report on the London-Paris Club refunds.

Reacting to the judgment, Aso thanked the judge for his industry in attending to the matter and stated that the EFCC would apply for the Certified True Copy of the judgment “and study it to know the necessary steps to take”.

A statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, Monday explained that the counsel to the commission never said anything about any EFCC 2024 report on an allegation that Iseghoi-Edwards “fraudulently obtained the judgments, because he instituted proceedings against the Federal government in the United States”.

Additionally, claims that Aso said the report was prepared under pressure from higher authorities “after Iseghohi-Edwards assigned his promissory notes to third parties in the United States, where they threatened to sue the Federal Government”, is totally mischievous and deliberate character assassination.

This framing was intended to insinuate extraneous influences on the matter which never existed. Record of proceedings of the court on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 when the judgment was delivered can be accessed for confirmation of his reaction.

Therefore, the commission enjoins the media to be more objective in reporting court proceedings in the interest of justice.