Magistrate court dismisses charges against Chidi Duru, associates

*Tinubu Magistrate Court, Lagod

(Nigeria) A Tinubu Magistrate Court, Lagos has dismissed a four-count charge brought against the Vice Chairman of First Guarantee Pension Limited, Nze Chidi Duru, arraigned alongside the company secretary, Smart Iheazor and his special assistant on media and strategy, Osita Ogbuagu Jr.

Duru was arraigned  before the Tinubu Magistrate Court on a four-count charge bothering on stealing of a laptop worth N250.000 and three office files from his company First Guarantee Pension Limited after six  days of illegal arrest and detention on January 16 and 17, 2017.

Counsel to Nze Chidi Duru and his associates, Mr Abdul Mohammed filled a preliminary objection to the charges on March 22nd 2017 on grounds that the charges were an abuse of court process and that the complainants.

The Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adefulire  stated that there were already existing rulings from superior courts in favour of Duru and that these judgements were never set aside.

The magistrate also stated that the Nigerian Police rather than carry out the orders of court has become the arresting party.

He further stated that Duru has legal rights to enforce all the judgements in his favour with or without the Police even as he described the complainants as embarking on a worthless voyage and an abuse of court process.

He stated that the imposed Interim Management Committee of First Guarantee Pension remains illegal describing them as contemnors.

Reacting to the judgement, Duru said "The wheels may grind slowly but sure grinds exceedingly well."

He re affirmed his unshakeable faith in the judiciary whilst thanking his family, friends and the press for their support over the years.