EFCC Arrested Rickey Tarfa SAN, 2 Foreigners For Allegedly Obstructing Investigation

EFCC Arrested Rickey Tarfa SAN, 2 Foreigners For Allegedly Obstructing Investigation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested Rickey Tarfa SAN for allegedly obstructing investigation and arrest  of his Republic of Benin clients.

Tarfa arrest took placed at the premises of the Lagos High Court in Igbosere took placed after about five hour standoff between him and some EFCC operatives. 

According to sources, the senior lawyer had gone to court to represent the foreigners, Gnahouse Sonrou Nazaire and Senoue ‎Modeste, who were standing trial before court over forgery and conspiracy. 

Drama started after the proceedings when the EFCC operatives attempted to re-arrest the Beninoise for a separate ongoing investigation, the move was resisted by the accused persons and their lawyer.

It was alleged that Tarfa hid the accused persons in his car from about 12 noon till about 5pm before the EFCC operatives could effect their arrest.

The commission's spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the arrest to LEADERSHIP on Friday night through a telephone conversation.

He said the SAN was  arrested for obstructing investigation and arrest of criminal suspects and that they still in their custody.

A legal practitioner,  Ferdinard Egede and two foreigners, Gnahouse Sonrou Nazaire and Senoue ‎Modeste have been arraigned before the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere on charge bordering on forgery and conspiracy. 

The two foreigners were docked before Justice Raliat Adebiyi  by the EFCC alongside legal practitioner,  Ferdinard Egede on a four count charge.
 
The EFCC prosecutor, Chikezie Udozie had told the court during arraignment that the accused persons committed the alleged offences in May 28, 2007. 

He said that the defendants conspired among themselves to forge Rana prestige Industry Ltd ordinary resolution, which was purported to have been signed by one Madam Rasheedatu. 

Udozie also alleged that on November 22 2005, ‎the defendants forged Cooperate Affairs Commission form (CAC) 17 and also alleged that it was signed by Madam Rasheedatu.

The prosecutor further stated that on the same date the defendants uttered the forged document of CAC form which was also purported to have been signed by the same Rasheedatu to the commission as genuine. 

However, they all pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

The case has been adjourned till February 11 by the court.