A. FATAYI-WILLIAMS, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): Godwin Idoma, the first accused, was at the material time, a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Army and a military police officer. Bakare Baruba, the second accused, was an Assistant Superintendent in the Nigeria Police.
Both accused persons were charged in the Jos High Court with the offence of Criminal conspiracy punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code. The particulars of the offence stated that the two accused persons on or about the 14th day of September, 1970 at Jos agreed to do an illegal act, that is, "to take gratification from one Sergeant Ladan or his agent so as to refrain from or prevent investigation of Sergeant Ladan's account with the Barclays Bank, the balance of which appeared to be in excess of his legitimate earnings."
The second accused was also charged with an offence under Section 115(ii) of the Penal code with accepting, as a public servant, at Jos, the sum of 100 pounds from one Hussaini Abuba…