N1.2billion subsidy scam: Rotimi Jacobs denies knowledge of Tukur’s peace talks

Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has refuted knowledge of any ongoing peace dialogue between the Commission and embattled Mahmud Tukur at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja on Monday.

Mahmud, son of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Bamanga Tukur, alongside others, are currently facing trial over an alleged fuel subsidy scam, which amounted to about N1.2bn.

Others allegedly involved in the transaction were, son of an Ibadan-based businessman, Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, Abdullahi, Alex Ochongor, and Tukur’s firm, Eterna Oil and Gas. Tukur’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, maintained that talks with the Commission to settle the charges out of court were ongoing, just when Jacobs denied knowledge of the dialogue.

This development followed the proceedings of January 30, 2013, when the counsel, who held brief for Jacobs, Mr. Tayo Olukotun, said Tukur’s discussion with the EFCC had “hit a brick wall”.

The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, had since then fixed Monday and Tuesday for the commencement of trial.

However, the trial was delayed on Monday as Olanipekun observed that in addition to the said ongoing talks with the EFCC, he had filed a motion seeking to nullify the charges.

On why there were talks with the EFCC without the knowledge of the prosecuting counsel, Olanipekun said, “it is not every dirty linen we spread in the sun”.

“I am an officer of this court, I say this from the bar. Even as I speak now, we are still discussing with his clients,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jacobs, who said he was in court with the witnesses for the trial, stated that the instruction was for him to continue with the case.
“I am not aware of the discussions. The instruction I have is to go on with the case, he noted.

The judge adjourned the matter to May 28 for the hearing of the application seeking to quash the charges..

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