The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pushed for a retrial in the corruption case involving former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, his sons, and several co-defendants. On Wednesday, EFCC counsel Chile Okoroma, SAN, urged the Federal High Court to reinstate Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu as the trial judge. The request was made before Justice Peter Lifu, who is currently overseeing the matter. The commission argued that the case should return to Justice Ojukwu, who had previously handled it before a procedural dispute led to her recusal. The EFCC maintains that the retrial should proceed with the original judge to ensure consistency and fairness. The charges against Lamido and others stem from alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor, including the diversion of public funds. The defence has yet to file a formal response to the EFCC's application.
The EFCC's move to reinstate Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu signals a strategic effort to reset a case that has dragged for years without resolution. Given that Sule Lamido is a prominent political figure, any retrial under the original judge may face scrutiny over timing and political context. This development suggests the anti-graft agency is attempting to regain momentum, but past delays raise doubts about a swift conclusion. For Nigerians, it reaffirms that high-profile corruption cases remain entangled in legal technicalities rather than moving toward closure.
