Labour Party Demands Swift Prosecution in High-Profile Forgery and Conspiracy Case Against Abure, Others in 7-days
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Abuja, Nigeria – The Labour Party National Caretaker Committee (NCC) has issued a strong call to action, urging Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to expedite the prosecution of Barr. Julius Abure, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Ojukwu Clement, and Edward Nkwegu Okereke. These individuals face allegations of perjury, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, stemming from a case initiated in October 2023.
The NCC, represented by Prince Dandy Rowland, Chairman of the Nigerian Corruption Watch Magazine, held a press conference in Abuja to highlight the urgency of the matter.
“This press conference is to call the attention of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and to sensitise the press regarding the subject matter of the criminal indictment,” Prince Rowland stated.
He emphasised the gravity of the allegations, which include the submission of forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 general elections.
Contents
Evidence and Allegations
The case, documented under Police case number CR: 3100/X/LEG/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.II/1, includes a forensic audit report confirming that forged signatures were used to unlawfully remove Eze Oko, the validly nominated Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Ebonyi State. The NCC provided Certified True Copies of the investigation report and INEC documents as evidence. “Forgery, perjury, and criminal conspiracy are serious offenses that should not be swept under the carpet,” Rowland asserted.
The NCC also accused the suspects of violating court orders and conducting an illegal Labour Party National Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March 2024. These actions were described as “illegal, null, and void” by the NCC, citing INEC’s affidavit and the Electoral Act of 2022.
Delays in Prosecution
Despite the Inspector General of Police’s directive for prosecution, the case has faced significant delays. The NCC expressed frustration over the lack of action, stating, “The Nigeria Police Force Legal Department had long ago advised that the suspects be charged to court. And despite our repeated inquiries, the relevant authorities have not been able to give us any explanation as to the reasons for the delays.”
The NCC criticized the perceived impunity of the suspects, alleging that they have boasted about their political connections. “Julius Abure goes about bragging and boasting that as far as his sister remains the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, nobody can prosecute him nor his criminal accomplice.
“That Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim boasted that he has contacts in the Department of State Security Service, DSS in Abuja and the Nigeria Police Force Headquarter Abuja who shall do his bidding to hound Comrade Eragbe Anslem
Aphimia, the former National Youth Leader of Labour Party in Nigeria through frivolous petitions, illegal arrest and illegal prosecution,” the NCC alleged.
Public Mobilization
In response to the delays, the NCC announced plans to mobilize over 500 civil society organizations and anti-corruption groups to demand justice. “This demand to ensure that Julius Abure and others are prosecuted without further delays is additionally a public consensus,” Rowland said. The NCC warned that failure to act would undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and tarnish the government’s credibility.
Ultimatum and Call to Action
The NCC issued a seven-day ultimatum for the Attorney General to bring the suspects to court. “The Labour Party National Caretaker Committee hereby calls on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to, without further delay, bring the suspects to court within seven days, as directed by the Inspector General of Police,” Rowland declared.
The press conference concluded with a strong message of accountability. “We commend the complainant, Eze Oko, for rejecting monetary bribes and insisting that justice must be served. This case should serve as a deterrent to any other party executives in Nigeria who may wish to engage in such acts in the future,” Rowland stated.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Attorney General’s office to see whether swift action will be taken in this high-profile case. The Labour Party’s demands reflect a broader call for transparency and justice in Nigeria’s political and legal systems.
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