Section A: AFRICAN DRAMA
HARVEST OF CORRUPTION – FRANK OGODO OGBECHE
Comment on the proceedings of the Wasa High Court of Justice
Explanation
Investigations into the activities of Chief Haladu Ade-Amaka are already in progress when Ogeyi goes to the police on account of her friend Aloho. Her story helps the police to wrap up their investigations and prefer charges against Chief and five others, including Ochuole, at Wasa High Court of Justice presided over by Judge.
It appears that only a fraction of the Minister's sins against the state and some people is known. According to Judge, "For all the atrocities you must have perpetrated in this country under the cover of Minister, which have not been detected, I say nothing." Chief then faces four counts of embezzlement, involving 1.2 billion naira and 5.8 million naira (two counts); dealing in cocaine and corrupting a public officer.
Prosecution Counsel clearly outlines the role of the police in their investigation and what makes each accused person culpable. Inspector Inaku's evidence is clear and concise. What triggers police investigation is set down as "Miss Ogeyi Ogar and the Jacassan Flash of 21st June, 1997". Following the newspaper report, the inspector goes to the Ministry and bribes Mr. Ayo to get access to official documents. By the inspector's own admission, Mr. Ayo does not ask for a bribe; rather, the Clerical Officer "promised to cooperate after I enticed him with the sum of two thousand naira". This show of zeal is wrong. The law seems to be that both the giver and the receiver of a bribe are criminals. One would expect; then, that the court reprimand or even sentence inspector I naku once Mr. Ayo goes in for five years.
In her evidence, Ogeyi clearly tells Aloho's story and firmly incriminates Chief. Her reason for going to the police is consistent with her love for her late friend; failing to persuade Aloha not to abort the pregnancy, she "was moved to go to the police to relate the story". However, Chief lies on oath, alleging that the "cocaine had been put there to incriminated" him. In the end, the court does not believe him and his breaking down avails him nothing. Of the two, Ogeyi is found credible by the court.
Both counsels do their work to the best of their abilities. Prosecution Counsel notes and draws attention to Defence Counsel's "cleverly weaving the evidence of the prosecution to confuse this honourable court". He draws the court's attention to the relevant flaws in the case of the defence and leaves the rest to the judge and the jury. The judge sums up succinctly and his guiding of the jury is balanced.
On the whole, the proceedings go well and the verdict arising from the evidence appears to be satisfactory.