TWO Republic of Benin nationals – Gnanhoe Sourou Nazaire and Senou Modeste Finagnon are to be rearranged on October 31 re-arraign two citizens at the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere Lagos.

The commission yesterday filed an amended 12-count charge against the Beninoise before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo in Lagos, but their re-arraignment was stalled due to the absence of English to French interpreter.

The defendants were first arraigned before Justice Taiwo on February 17, on a seven-count charge of forgery, stealing and conversion of N630 million, belonging to Mrs. Rachidatou Abdou and her company.

They pleaded not guilty and their lawyer Rickey Tarfa (SAN) moved the court to strike out the charge on the ground of incompetency. He also argued that the EFCC was prosecuting them without a valid petition.

But, dismissing his application, Justice Taiwo upheld the contention of prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo that the Commission received a valid petition from the complainant alleging conspiracy and stealing against the defendants.

At the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, EFCC counsel Kayode Oni informed the court of the amended charge and urged the court to allow it to be read to the defendants.

Defence counsel Tarfa did not object but requested for an interpreter since the defendants spoke only French.

Justice Taiwo granted his application but the prosecution was unable to provide an interpreter.

“We cannot proceed without an interpreter. The prosecution needs to expedite action in this case’’, Justice Taiwo added and adjourned till October 31.

culled from: The Nation