Keyamo Withdraws From Prosecuting Timipre Sylva

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

By Ayo Balogun, Lagos – Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo has withdrawn from prosecuting the case against former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva.

Keyamo refused to disclose why he decided to withdraw from the case, saying it is personal.

In a letter he wrote to the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Keyamo recalled that the commission had briefed his chamber in 2012 to prosecute Sylva.

“Since then, we have diligently prosecuted the Charge and successful opposed the bid of the accused person to quash the Charge in limine. The court ruled in our favour for the trial to commence and the Court of Appeal also refused to stay proceedings in the trial.

“However, certain recent developments (in respect of which I would prefer not to elaborate) have necessitated my decision to withdraw from further prosecution of the said charge,” he said in the letter.

He said this was because these recent developments may hamper his effective, efficient and vigorous prosecution of the charge, duties that are expected of every prosecutor.

“Permit me, therefore, to return the case files to the Commission for re-assignment to another counsel for due prosecution. Kindly note that the trial of the case has been fixed for the 25th of May, 2015,” he said.