By Onozure Dania,

Lagos—A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ricky Tarfa, was, yesterday, arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the allegation of  obstruction of justice and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

EFCC, in charge No-LD/2417C/16 filed before Justice Aishat Opesanwo, alleged that Tarfa on February 5, 2016 hid two suspects, Nazaire Sorou Gnanhoue and Modeste Finagnon, both Beninoise, in his Mercedes Benz Sports Utility car, thereby shielding them from being arrested and wilfully obstructing the course of justice.

The suspects were said to have fraudulently converted some sophisticated manufacturing equipment, property of Rana Prestige Nigeria Limited for their own use. They are also being investigated for alleged tax evasion running into millions of naira.

Tarfa allegedly  prevented two operatives of the EFCC, who wanted to arrest the suspects, from carrying out  their statutory duties.

Tarfa’s counsel, Niyi Akintola (SAN), who led 14 other Senior Advocates and about 150 other lawyers made a bail application brought pursuant to Section 115 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.

He urged the court to grant the defendant bail on self-recognition.

Akintola informed the court that the defendant was granted administrative bail by the EFCC and he regularly  reported to the office of EFCC every morning by 8 am.

He added that the defendant had made himself available for trial. He said Tarfa was prepared to defend the charge filed against him by the Commission.

He assured the court that as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,  Tarfa would not jump bail.

But the EFCC’s counsel,   Rotimi Oyedepo, prayed the court to dismiss the application for bail and remand the defendant in prison custody.

He argued the fact that he was a SAN was not relevant considering the nature of the case.

He prayed the court to disregard the submissions of the defence lawyer that Tarfa was granted bail on self recognition. He said the administrative bail followed   an undertaking by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Justice Opesanwo, however, in her ruling granted the defendant bail in self recognition.

But she ordered that the defendant should not travel out the country without informing the court.

Justice Opesanwo maintained that the defendant presented overwhelming evidence that had not been controverted by the prosecution.

She said the prosecution did not deny the fact that Tarfa was granted administrative bail and had not defaulted.