Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN has said the invitation by Chairman of the Code of.Conduct Bureau to Mr. Festus Keyamo to discuss issues which are subject of a pending action in court is inappropriate and may amount to contempt ex facie curie.
In a letter dated 7th April, 2023, addressed to the Bureau chair by Chief Ozekhome, he noted that parties have joined issues in the suit; FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023, pending before the Federal High Court which was instituted by Festus Keyamo, SAN against Alh. Atiku Abubakar with the Bureau, ICPC and EFCC as co defendants.
The Learned Silk who is counsel to Atiku Abubakar in the suit express his surprise and that of his client to the news that Festus Keyamo’s, SAN was invited by the CCB Chair to purportedly ‘shed more light’ on complaint made which is the very facts that culminated into the suit pending before the Federal High Court.
Ozekhome advised the Bureau chair of the inappropriateness of taking any extra-judicial steps with regards to the subject matter which is already pending before the Federal High Court. The Learned Silk advised further that the actions of Mr. Keyamo attending the invitation to address a matter which is subjudice smacks of contempt ex facie curiae.
He urged the bureau chair to refrain from interfering and acting on the petition issued by Festus Keyamo, SAN as he has voluntarily brought the subject matter before a competent court of law for adjudication.