Alleged corruption: COPA threatens to file suit against EFCC

- The EFCC has again be asked to investigate Uchechukwu Ogah, minister of state for mines and steel development

- The demand was made by the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA)

- COPA had earlier written to the commission to investigate the minister for alleged forgery

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The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has threatened to file a suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to compel it to take action on a forgery allegation levelled against Uchechukwu Ogah, minister of state for mines and steel development.

The minister had been accused of forgery by a private businesswoman over a business deal in 2011.

COPA had earlier sent a petition but action has not been taken.

Ndubuisi Okonta, a counsel to Ogah, has since dismissed the allegation as false.

COPA convener, Pelumi Olajenbesi, speaking with reporters after he filed a reminder to his petition on Wednesday, May 20, said they are ready to compel EFCC through the courts to begin an investigation into the minister and his alleged deeds.

Part of the letter read: “It remains a fact that as of the time of writing this reminder, we have been informed by our client that no action has been taken in that regard as no prosecutorial action has been taken against the said minister.

“While it is quite curious and unsettling that several months after the said missive, your office has not carried out any significant step in the process of bringing the alleged culprit within the firm grip of the law, we are seised of our client's instructions to remind you of the pending petition and investigation and the need for urgent action as it is in the interest of justice and the public to know for sure the character and reputation of persons standing in trust for our commonwealth.

“Take notice that any further delay by your office in taking decisive steps in this matter will be viewed as a calculated attempt to abdicate your statutory responsibility for obvious reasons.”

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Two months ago, COPA had demanded that the case against Ogah be revisited and revised for immediate action and urged the EFCC to invite the minister and the petitioner for probe and investigation.

“The EFCC must rise above the cronyism and partisanship that has crippled a great many other institutions of state and show itself as a shining light to sister-agencies and outfits in the anti-corruption fight in the country,” the group said in its initial letter.

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Source: Legit.ng