Judgment
MONICA BOLNA’AN DONGBAN-MENSEM, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal challenging the decision of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, delivered on the 22nd of June, 2021 Coram A. O.
Otaluka (J.), wherein the trial Court found the Accused Person now Appellant guilty and convicted him on three Count Charge for the offence of corruptly asking for, agreeing to accept and accepting gratification contrary to the provisions of Sections 8(1)(a) and 17(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Sections of the said Act.
I find the brief facts presented by the Respondent apt and I hereby reproduce same anon: That; “The Appellant was a member of the House of Representatives (7th National Assembly) and Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime, which was set up in 2012. That sometime in April, 2012 or thereabout, the Appellant while acting in his official capacity as a member of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime, corruptly asked for the sum of $3,000,000.00 (Three Million Dollars) for himself from one Mr.
Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, on account of intention of showing favour to Mr. Femi Otedola by removing the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. From the Report of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime. That the Appellant, while acting in the course of his official duty and capacity, corruptly obtained the sum $500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) for himself from Mr.
Femi Otedola Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd as an inducement to remove name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the report of the committee on monitoring and fuel subsidy regime. That the Appellant pleaded not guilty to the charge and trial commenced. That in proof of its case, the Respondent called five (5) witnesses and tendered the following exhibits: I. Subpoena duces tecum served on PW1. II. Document titled ‘Order paper for the Special Session Sitting of the House of Representatives on Sunday, 8th January 2012. III.
