Judge Shames EFCC lawyer, Says Agency ‘Too Powerful’

A high court judge Peter Affen has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for exhibiting “too much physical power everywhere”. The judge was angered by the choice of word of a EFCC lawyer defending the commission against a human rights suit slammed on it by an Australian military contractor Wolfgang Wolfgang. The Australian kept in the custody since last December is held in connection to the embezzlement of arms funds.Wolfgang wants the court to declare his detention without charge illegal. But EFCC lawyer Ibrahim Audu argued that the anti-graft agency did not detain Wolfgang. In a fit of anger, Justice Affen lambasted Audu for showing arrogance. “You are in court, and I am the dominis litis here. This is not EFCC office. You must comport yourself. The problem is that you people (EFCC) have too much physical power and you carry it to everywhere you go,” he said.

“This is not a motor park and you must not be throwing your hands anyhow and be shouting. When you come before me, you will never remain the same. You owe the court a duty of deference. Leave your policeman or EFCC powers at the door. Didn’t they teach you that in law school?”