Ex-Mint boss appeals extradition order

A Former Managing Director of Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company, Mr. Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, has appealed against the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja, which on Monday‎ ordered his extradition to the United Kingdom to face criminal charges.

Okoyomon also filed an application for stay of execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

The former boss of the NSMPC filed his four-ground notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Justice Evoh Chukwu had in his judgment on Monday  ordered the former NSMPC boss be extradited within 30 days.

The judge ordered that the man be remanded in prison pending the time the extradition processes would be completed.

Through his counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), the former MD of NSMPC, who was accused of bribery allegations in the United Kingdom, asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court.

In the first ground of appeal, Izinyon contended that “the learned trial Judge erred in law when he ordered the extradition of the appellant to Great Britain to stand criminal trial.”

The particulars of errors according to Izinyon are, “There is no subsisting Act of the National Assembly or treaty between Nigeria and Great Britain upon which the decision of the court was premised.

“There was also no Order made by the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria applying the provisions of the Extradition Act. Cap E25, LFN 2004 to Great Britain as envisaged by Section 1(6) of ‎the Extradition Act, Cap E25, LFN 2004.

“The Order for the Extradition of the appellant is not supported by any legislation.”

In the second ground, Izinyon contended that “the learned trial court erred in law when he held that the Extradition Treaty between Great Britain and the United States of America signed at London on 22nd November, 1931 is applicable to Nigeria and ordered the extradition of the appellant to Great Britain to stand trial, relying on the said treaty between Great Britain and the United States of America.”

He argued, that, “the said treaty between the Great Britain and United States of America is not applicable to Nigeria.”

Justice Evoh Chukwu had in his judgment on Monday ordered that Okoyomon be extradited to the UK within 30 days.

The court was delivering judgment on the extradition application filed on September 29, 2014 by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN).

The court had earlier on Monday struck out a separate suit filed by Okoyomon challenging his arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission based on the request by the British High Commission in Nigeria for his extradition.

The court held in its judgment in Okoyomon’s suit that the Attorney-General of the Federation having filed the application for his extradition, his suit had become academic.

Ex-Mint boss appeals extradition order