The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Chief Jim Chimezie Okolo, paving the way for his continued prosecution on serious criminal allegations, including intimidation and advanced fee fraud. In a landmark decision, the court affirmed that his arrest, investigation, and prosecution by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) are lawful and justified.
Presiding over Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/197/2021, Hon. Justice G.K. Olotu ruled that Chief Okolo’s application against Sir Emeka Okwuosa and three others lacked merit and should be dismissed in its entirety.
Chief Okolo had challenged his arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), claiming it was unlawful.
He also sought a perpetual injunction to prevent further interference with his rights and demanded N500 million in exemplary damages.
However, the court ruled that Sir Emeka Okwuosa acted within his constitutional rights by reporting alleged threats and blackmail to law enforcement.
The DSS was found to have lawfully conducted its investigation, which was duly submitted to the AGF, who acted within constitutional powers.
Currently, Chief Okolo is facing a 17-count charge in FRN v. Jim Okolo & 3 Ors. before Justice S.U. Bature of the FCT High Court, Maitama.
The charges include criminal intimidation, fabrication of evidence, providing false information to public officers, and perjury.
Court documents reveal that Chief Okolo and associates allegedly tried to extort $5 million or five percent of the AKK Gas Pipeline contract value from Okwuosa and Oilserv Ltd.
They purportedly claimed to have secured the $2.8 billion pipeline contract for Oilserv, resorting to threats when Okwuosa refused to pay. Okwuosa had petitioned the DSS, denying any commission to Okolo and affirming that Oilserv legitimately won the contract through public bidding.
In a separate trial, Chief Okolo faces charges of conspiracy, job racketeering, and impersonation as a House of Representatives member in FRN v. Jim Chimezie Okolo & 2 Ors., presided over by Hon. Justice A.Y. Shafa of the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada.
After a remand at Kuje Correctional Centre, he was granted bail with trial ongoing.
These proceedings underscore the mounting legal challenges confronting Chief Okolo as both federal and state courts uphold the legitimacy of his prosecution and dismiss claims of rights violations.
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