Chief Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi, on Tuesday, May 23, distanced herself from reports linking her to a gold scandal valued at Ksh102 million involving a Dubai-based businessman.
In an affidavit filed at the High Court, Amadi argued that the alleged money was not wired to her account as claimed by the Dubai company.
Amadi further stated that she did not benefit from the gold trade, as alleged by the petitioner. The Chief Judiciary Registrar thus accused the Dubai company of dragging her name in the scandal without providing evidence.
"I confirm that no such sums relating to the impugned transaction were ever deposited to my personal bank accounts, and the petitioner has failed to tender any evidence that I was a beneficiary of the alleged fraud," she countered.
"No evidence has been tendered in support of the general allegations that I have fraudulently benefitted from the alleged undelivered gold consignment," she added.
However, the High Court did not lift the order freezing her bank account, which allegedly received the funds.
The case took a new twist after High Court Judge Justice David Majanja recused himself from hearing the case. Majanja transferred the matter to Judge Alfred Mabeya, citing a conflict of interest.
"I am a member of the Judicial Service Commission, where Amadi serves as the Secretary and Chief Judiciary Registrar and I granted the order on that basis it was the law firm -Amadi & Associates Advocates registered in her name. I note there are issues pertaining to my partiality and impression created to the members of the public," Majanja explained.
"I, therefore, disqualify myself from hearing the matter and refer it to the High Court Commercial Division Presiding Judge Alfred Mabeya," he directed.
Accusations
Amadi's bank accounts were frozen after a Dubai-based firm moved to court accusing the suspects of acting on behalf of a law firm, Amadi and Associates Advocates, and unlawfully receiving a cash wire of Ksh102 million (USD742,206.48) but never supplied the minerals.
In the petition, he argued that the account that received the money was opened by and registered under Amadi.
“She is among those who orchestrated a fraudulent scheme to obtain money by false pretence through her law firm Amadi and Associates Advocates. They received the funds and hurriedly withdrew them in cash without adequate supporting documentation,” the dealer alleged.
The merchant thus sought orders from the country to recover Ksh102 million, which was paid for undelivered minerals.
JSC, headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome, has yet to issue a statement on the case.
