Justice Muslim Hassan of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday rejected an ex parte application by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, seeking immediate release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC claimed that the judge used the money to buy a house in London, adding that the judge failed to explain the source of her wealth.

“The EFCC has the option to charge her to court, but it has not done so. She has also stated that she is ready to defend herself vigorously against any charge that may be slammed on her,” he said.

Justice Hassan, after hearing the defense counsel, declined the application and ordered him to serve EFCC the motion on notice, saying the fair thing to do.

He further stated that the prayers being sought by Mrs. Ofili-Ajumogobia cannot be heard by motion ex parte, and adjourned the hearing to November 28.

The commission had filed a 30-count charge against the judge and Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is one of the judges recently arrested by the Department of Security Service (DSS), and has been under interrogation by the EFCC for allegedly collecting bribes.

The EFCC alleges that she received the sum of N5m as gratification from Mr. Obla, who is also being detained by the agency.

Mr. Obla has also filed a fundamental human rights suit against the EFCC.

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