The EFCC today October 13, 2016 presented the second witness in the ongoing trial of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rickey Tarfa before Justice A. Akintoye of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere. The witness, Tosin Owobo, an EFCC operative, was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo. Owobo told the court how the defendant had failed to declare his assets on the assets declaration form that was administered to him, an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (2) (3) of the EFCC Establishment act.
He also said that the SAN made false information on the EFCC statement sheet by writing an incorrect age.
According to him, letters were sent to Guaranty Trust Bank and upon analysis of the response, it was discovered that the age filled in the currency domiliary account opened with the bank contradicts what was stated on the EFCC statement sheet. “On the statement age, he said he is 43 years, while on his international passport, his date of birth appeared to be 23rd February 1962 which is 53 years". Owobo said.
He also told the court how a sum of USD10,000 was deposited into the defendant’s account and subsequently withdrawn by one Tshaya Mbaya.
During the cross-examination, the witness while speaking on the reason why Ricky Tarfa paid money into Justice Ngangiwa’s account, Tosin said he believed it was gratification.
Rickey Tarfa SAN, was arraigned on March 29, 2016 by the EFCC on a 27-count charge of Willful Obstruction of authorized officers of EFCC, refusal to declare assets, making false information and offering gratification to a public official. Upon his arraignment, Tarfa pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court adjourned till tomorrow 14th October 2016 for continuation of cross examination of the witnesses.
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