The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Tuesday brought a charge of unlawful enrichment to the tune of $260,000 and N8, 650,000 against Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Bayelsa Division. The EFCC filed the 14-count charge before Justice Adedayo Akintoye of the Lagos High Court in Igbosere.

But Justice Nganjiwa, who filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the charge, was not available for arraignment. His lawyer, Robert Clarke (SAN), said the judge failed to catch a flight from Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. According to the charge seen by The Nation, Justice Nganjiwa allegedly unlawfully received the N81, 705,000 in naira and United States dollars.

The money was allegedly received in the judge’s Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account in tranches of $144,000, $102,000, $10,000 and $4,000 (amounting to $260,000).

He also allegedly received through his Access Bank corporate account in the name of Awa-Ajia Nigeria Ltd, the sums of N750,000, N300,000, N5,000,000, N5000,000, N500,000, N500,000, N500,000, N100,000 and N500,000 (totalling N8,650,000). Justice Adedayo adjourned till June 23 for ruling on the objection.

Details later…