Justice Chuka Obiozor of Federal high court Lagos on Thursday have excused himself from handling the N1.8 billion criminal charge preferred aganst the embattled President of Nigeria Bar Association Mr Paul Usoro SAN by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (CC).
EFCC had filed criminal charges against Usoro late last year, alleging that he laundered N1.8 billion, funds belonging to the Akwa Ibom State government. The anti graft commission alleged that Usiro ought to have known that the fund is proceeds from crime.
The matter initially came up before Justice Muslim Sule Hassan where Usoro was to be arraigned. Usoro lawyers however demanded a transfer to another judge, claiming they have no confidence in the judge because he was a former staff of EFCC.
The case was then transferred to Justice Obiozor.
At the resumption of proceedings on Thursday morning, Usoro was billed to be arraigned and charges read to him so that he could make a plea. The judge however declined to proceed with the case.
Justice Obiozor said; “For personal reasons I hereby disqualify myself from handling the case for personal reasons, I hereby return this filed back to the Chief judge of Federal high court for reassignment.
