The extradition process initiated against former Managing Director of Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company (NSPMC), Ehidiamhem Okoyomon by the office of Attorney General of the Federation before Justice E.S Chukwu of the Federal High Court could not go on yesterday.
Okoyomon’s extradition is being sought by the UK government over his alleged role in the bribery scandal involving officials of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company (NSPMC), and Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008
When the case was called for mention, the defence counsel, Alex Iziyon, SAN, told the court that, he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear and decide the matter.
Iziyon argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter saying, “there is no extradition treaty between Nigeria and United Kingdom”. “We want to be shown where this is in the law. What we have is only protocol not extradition treaty”, he further stated.
Responding, the prosecuting counsel, M.S Hassan told the court that he had not been served with the application and urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody, pending the hearing and determination of the application.
Justice Chukwu after listening to the submission of both counsel, ordered the defence to get the prosecution duly served with all necessary processes while EFCC should take custody of the accused till the next adjourned date.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, October 16, 2014 for hearing.
