By Innocent Anaba,

lagos—Embattled Lagos lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, SAN, yesterday, denied any under counter dealing with Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of a Federal High Court, Lagos as alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Ricky Tarfa

In a statement by his law firm, Rickey Tarfa and Co, by the Head of Chambers, Mr. John Odubela, in reaction to the new 27-count charge, which was even yet to be served on Tarfa, noted that “The Chambers have cause to once more react to the malicious trial by media of Rickey Tarfa by the EFCC.

“Trial are never won on the pages of newspapers, the airwaves and on online platforms. The recent 27-count charge allegedly filed against Tarfa, by EFCC is not only laughable because as at the time of issuing this press statement, Tarfa, is yet to be served with the charge.

“The media is however, abashed with details  of the said charge.”

Explaining the relationship between Tarfa and Justice Nganjiwa, Odubela said, “Mr. Nganjiwa was absorbed into the firm in 1995 immediately after leaving the service of the National Drug Law Enforcement, NDLEA, where he rose to the position of Deputy Agency (Prosecution) and was with us until he was appointed to the beach of the Federal High Court in 2012.

“During these period, Nganjiwa, who specialized in criminal trials attracted many briefs/clients because of his expertise in that branch of the law. Upon his appointment as a judge, we continued with the cases he brought to the Chambers.

“In the light of the above, we have continued to discharge the firm’ s financial obligations to him in respect of cases he has handled for the firm as a practicing legal practitioner in our law firm and those he brought to the Chambers.”

On the allegation of falsification of age, he said, “Celebration of milestone of birthday of Mr Tarfa,  have always been in the public domain. Clearly, the content of the alleged statement showed there was no reliance on 43 years as age its body. The position relating to the alleged issue would be determined by the court of law.”

“For the umpteenth time, we as a law firm, assure all our clients and members of the public that we are law abiding and would never be involved in any act in contravention of the law of the country. We restate herein that we appreciate the goodwill, support from colleagues, friends, clients and lovers of lovers of human rights, through calls, text messages and personal visits since this persecution commenced and pledge that the 28 year old firm of Rickey Tarfa and Co., will continue to practice it’s trade in the best traditions of the bar,” Odubela added.