Extradition hearing for ex-Mint boss adjourned

The extradition hearing of a former managing director, Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company, NSPMC, Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, was adjourned by the Federal High Court Abuja on Monday.

The process was instigated by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation against Mr. Okoyomon.

The United Kingdom had sought the extradition of Mr. Okoyomon over his alleged role in a bribery scandal involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, NSMPC and the Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008.

The defence counsel, Alex Iziyon, at the hearing, told the court he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to decide on the matter.

“There is no extradition treaty between Nigeria and United Kingdom. We want to be shown where this is in the law. What we have is only protocol not extradition treaty,” Mr. Iziyon said.

However, the prosecuting counsel, MS Hassan told the court he had not been served with the application.

He prayed the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of the application.

The judge over the case, HS Chukwu, after listening to the submissions by the counsels, ordered the defence served his prosecution duly via necessary processes.

Mr. Chukwu also asked the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, to take Mr. Okoyomon into its custody till the next hearing.

The case was adjourned to October 16 for further hearing.