The restraining order followed an ex-parte motion filed by Odoh at the Federal High Court and the seven members of the panel of inquiry set up by Umahi to probe the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for farmers in Ebonyi state. Apart from the governor and the members of the panel, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was also joined as the first respondent in the suite. Believing that the probe panel was a witch-hunt to smear his reputation, Odoh approached the court, praying that the EFCC should be mandated to probe Umahi and others named in his earlier petition to the anti-graft commission. Odoh also prayed the court for an order restraining Umahi and members of the probe panel from investigating him pending the hearing and determination of the application. Responding to the motion as moved by the plaintiff´s counsel, Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim, granted the prayers.

Source: The Guardian June 06, 2020 03:45 UTC