In a surprising turn of events, Nicholas Mutu, a prominent Nigerian lawmaker, has been reported to engage in foreign travel even after the seizure of three of his passports. This revelation has stirred significant controversy and raised questions about the enforcement of legal restrictions and oversight mechanisms within Nigeria’s judicial and legislative systems.
Justice F. Giwa Ogunbanjo of Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, November 21, 2024, expressed displeasure upon discovery that a defendant, Nicholas Mutu has been jetting out of the country with an undeclared passport and without the express permission of the court in violation of his bail conditions.
Nicholas Mutu, who has served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) (2014-2016), is no stranger to legal scrutiny. He has been embroiled in legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations involving fraud and money laundering. His legal battle borders on 13-count charges of money laundering to the tune of 320 Million. Despite these legal challenges, Mutu has seemingly found ways to continue his international engagements.
The EFCC, in the course of its investigations, had seized three passports from Mutu as part of the bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The seizure was intended to ensure that Mutu remained within Nigeria’s jurisdiction while legal proceedings continued. However, recent court proceedings unearthed that Mutu had traveled abroad with an undeclared passport, which was not part of the initial three handed over to the authorities.
According to judicial records and reports, Mutu has made several trips abroad, which have not been disclosed or permitted by the court. The exact destinations and purposes of these trips remain under wraps, but the very act of traveling suggests a significant breach in the legal framework meant to constrain his movements. The court, upon learning of these travels, expressed its disapproval, highlighting the violation of Mutu’s bail conditions.
Justice Ogunbanjo during proceedings noted that the defendant’s overseas travel without the court’s permission was intolerable and that such contempt of her court would not be overlooked. “There is no justification for the defendant to flout the order of this honorable court. The order is that the defendant must not leave this country without express permission from the court and it appears that he has left without permission or even notification. I am not going to sweep it under the carpet,” she said.
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Mutu’s unauthorized journeys became known when prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN informed the court that investigation from the Nigerian Immigration Service showed that the defendant has been traveling out of the country with a passport that was not among the three he surrendered to the EFCC, and which the Commission deposited with the court.
This scenario poses several legal questions;
Bail Condition Violation: Traveling without court permission while on bail is a direct affront to the judicial process, potentially leading to bail revocation or other punitive measures.
Passport Management: The existence of an additional passport that was not surrendered raises concerns about how individuals under legal scrutiny manage their travel documents, possibly through means not accessible to the general public or average citizen.
The public reaction has been one of shock and criticism, with many questioning the effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system in enforcing its own decrees. Legal experts and political analysts have debated the implications for Nigeria’s fight against corruption, where high-profile figures seem to navigate legal barriers with apparent ease.
The EFCC and other governmental bodies are now under pressure to explain how such a breach could occur and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. There’s also a demand for greater transparency in how high-profile cases are managed, particularly in terms of asset and identity management.
The court, led by Justice F. Giwa Ogunbanjo, has ordered Mutu to deposit all his passports with the court registrar, signaling an attempt to regain control over the situation. Onlookers eagerly await next court dates slated for 17th and 18th of February , 2024 not only for the continuation of the legal proceedings against Mutu but also for insights into how Nigerian authorities will address this breach of judicial oversight.
Meanwhile the defence counsel, P.I.N Ikwueto, SAN, has asked for time to study the case and respond appropriately.
Nicholas Mutu’s foreign travels post-passport seizure highlight a significant lapse in the enforcement of legal conditions set for high-profile individuals under investigation. This case not only tests the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts but also the robustness of its judicial system in maintaining oversight over those it seeks to regulate.
As the story unfolds, it will be crucial to see how this incident influences future legal and political strategies regarding accountability and enforcement of high profile cases in Nigeria.
