By  Abdulwahab  Abdulah

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has asked the Abuja High Court to dismiss the preliminary objection filed by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, challenging his trial before the court.

The anti-graft commission argued in its counter affidavit to the preliminary objection by the former speaker that it has enough evidence linking Bankole to the offences of criminal breach of trust and stealing.

In the affidavit filed yesterday before the Abuja High Court, the EFCC insisted that without Bankole’s final approval to the withdrawal of the alleged stolen money, “none of these acts would have been committed.”

Bankole had challenged his trial by the EFCC,  asking the court  to quash the charge of illegally obtaining loans to the tune of about N40billion to pay enhanced running costs and allowances of members filed against him and his deputy, Alhaji Nafada on the ground that by virtue of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, no court of law can try him.

However, in its response, the EFCC urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection and allow the prosecution to prove its case, insisting that a fight against corruption cannot be halted by flimsy legal technicalities.

The case was adjourned till July19.