EFCC Confirms Resignation Of Prosecutor Handling Case Of International Fraud Suspect, Jesam Michael, Denies Allegations Of Compromise

EFCC Confirms Resignation Of Prosecutor Handling Case Of International Fraud Suspect, Jesam Michael, Denies Allegations Of Compromise

The Commission was reacting to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters which revealed that the prosecutor handling the case withdrew amid pressure in the ongoing trial of Michael, the Chief Executive Officer of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) hss confirmed that one of its prosecutors in the case against an international fraud suspect, Jesam Michael stepped down, claiming, however, that the official was not under pressure.

The Commission was reacting to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters which revealed that the prosecutor handling the case withdrew amid pressure in the ongoing trial of Michael, the Chief Executive Officer of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) Limited.

In a statement, the EFCC also reaffirmed its institutional standards. “As an anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, places high premium on the integrity of its operations and workforce.”

Clarifying the prosecutor’s exit, the EFCC stated that the resignation was voluntary. “One of its prosecutors, Geraldine Ofulue who was part of the team handling the case of Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) Limited, had cause to resign her appointment with the Commission recently.”

It said another prosecutor was assigned to ensure continuity. “To avoid vacuum and ensure diligent prosecution of the case, another prosecutor, Emenike Mgbemele who is also a call mate to Ofulue was assigned the continuation of prosecution of the case accordingly.”

On Ofulue’s role in the matter, the Commission said she handled the case thoroughly. “As a prosecutor, Ofulue handled Michael’s case with a fine tooth comb.”

It added that due process was followed. “Working under the guidance and tutelage of her uncompromising supervisors, she followed every process filed (together with her team) before the court diligently, with no pressure or compromise of any form.”

The EFCC also noted: “She presented nine witnesses and several exhibits admitted by the court.”

Regarding the succeeding prosecutor, the Commission stated: “The succeeding prosecutor, Mgbemele barely took off from where she stopped, taking every development in the case in its stride.”

It clarified that his appearance related to a bail application. “So far, the only matter that came up in which Mgbemele appeared was in relation to the 1st defendant’s 4th application for bail which he opposed in line with the position of the Commission.”

The EFCC added: “He relied on the same processes filed by Ofulue in vehemently opposing the said 4th application for bail by the 1st defendant, Jesam.”

It further stated: “It is noteworthy that Ofulue had filed the counter -affidavit and written submissions in opposition to Jesam’s 4th bail application before her voluntary exit from the Commission for other engagements.”

The Commission said: “Mgbemele neither added nor subtracted anything from what Ofulue filed except to adopt the processes in court, argue the case and urged the court to refuse bail to Jesam as he was considered to be a flight risk.”

Dismissing allegations of compromise, the EFCC stated: “There was no basis for insinuation or blackmail in this matter.”

It also rejected the central claim in the report. “The EFCC, therefore, finds claims of ‘Prosecutor Steps Down Amid Pressure To Compromise High-Profile Fraud Case Against International Fraudster Jesam Michael’, preposterous and irresponsible.”

The Commission questioned the narrative of pressure. “The question is: who was pressuring Ofulue in this matter?” It added: “Why will an officer’s resignation from the EFCC to pursue other engagements be construed as ‘stepping down’?”

The statement maintained: “What Mgbemele did was exactly what Ofulue would have done in the circumstances.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Jesam Michael, the Chief Executive Officer of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) Limited, was arraigned by the EFCC before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged investment fraud.

According to earlier reports, the anti-graft agency filed multiple counts against Michael and his company, alleging unlawful solicitation of funds from members of the public and operating financial services without appropriate authorisation.

The charges were said to relate to large sums in both United States dollars and Nigerian naira.

SaharaReporters also reported that the court remanded Michael in custody following his arraignment, while hearing arguments on his bail applications. The EFCC opposed the bail requests, arguing that the defendant posed a flight risk.

In its latest statement, the Commission reiterated the scale of the alleged fraud. It stated: “Michael and his firm, Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) Limited, defrauded more than 50, 000 investors in a trans- national ponzi scheme of disturbing proportion.”

The Commission also said: “The Commission’s efforts to bring him to book and break all his shenanigans should be applauded by all well-meaning news portal.”

It concluded with a warning of possible legal action. “While the EFCC will not be deterred in the pursuit of its mandate, it will not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against any entity, organisation or individual employing blackmail and deliberate misrepresentation to attack it or any of its officers.”