Perversion Of Justice: Court Adjourns Trial Of BATN To Feb 21  

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the trial of British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATN) over allegations of perverting the course of justice to February 21, 2023.

The federal government through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (PCCPC) has charged BATN and one of its officials Austin Okonji said to be the tobacco’s firm Risk Manager, was also listed as a defendant before the court on a three-count charge of Conspiracy and perversion.

BATN and Okonji were accused by the government of perverting the course of justice by obstructing and impeding the police and PCCPC officials from executing a search warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1662/2020, issued on December 29, 2020, and renewed on January 5, 2021.

PCCPC claimed that the defendants allegedly committed the offences at their Lagos office, located at 2, Olumegbon Close Ikoyi.

The offences according to the prosecution contravened sections 28(5), 110 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 and are punishable under the same Act.

FCCPC had also insisted that the offence contravened section 32(4) of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, and is punishable under Section 34 (1) and (2)(b) of the same Act.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the defence counsel, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), pleaded with the court for a short adjournment, stating that the prosecutor and his clients are exploring means of settling the matter amicably.

Though there was no legal representation from the prosecutor, Justice Lewis-Allagoa, who expressed displeasure with the development grudgingly acceded to the Lawyer’s request.