In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through legal and political circles, Chief Magistrate Abubakar Saidu Umar of Wuse, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has mandated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of criminal conspiracy and threats to the life of renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, by Justice Danladi Umar, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
The court order, issued under MOTION NO: DCC/21/2023, stemmed from a petition filed by Falana, detailing his concerns about the threat to his life.
The document, obtained dated August 7, 2023, specifically directs the Inspector General of Police to complete the investigation within 14 clear days and report back to the court on or before August 24, 2023.
“I am directed by the Senior Magistrate II, His Worship Abubakar Saidu Umar, sitting at Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2 Court 10. Magistrate Court complex, Abuja to carry out an investigation on the above subject matter,” the order reads.
Femi Falana’s petition, dated February 27, 2018, initially brought the matter to the attention of the then Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. In his complaint, Falana recounted receiving a threatening message from a number later identified as owned by Justice Danladi Umar.
The message, received on February 24, 2018, allegedly contained threats related to Falana’s collaboration with the then Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, in filing corruption charges against Justice Umar.
In response to the petition, the Inspector General of Police directed the IGP Monitoring Unit to investigate the matter. The subsequent police report, dated April 16, 2021, revealed a detailed examination of the events surrounding the alleged threats.
The report, addressed to Samuel Ogala Esq from Falana and Falana’s Chambers, highlighted the delay in concluding the investigation due to the Department of State Services (DSS), FCT Command’s ongoing inquiry into the MTN line belonging to Justice Danladi Umar, which he claimed was stolen.
The report detailed the sequence of events, including the exchange of text messages and a voice call, with specific timestamps and network provider information.
It also pointed out the unverified claim by Justice Umar that he had lost his phone containing the MTN number in question.
As the investigation remains pending, the report emphasized the importance of obtaining a response from the FCT Director of State Security Service regarding the loss of the disputed MTN SIM.
Considering the involvement of a federal government public officer, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the report recommended forwarding the case file to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for further necessary action.
The unfolding saga raises questions about the intersection of law, politics, and the conduct of public officials, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal landscape.
The outcome of the police investigation is eagerly anticipated, as it may have far-reaching implications for the Code of Conduct Tribunal and its Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar.
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