High Court blocks probe on Stanbic CEO Joshua Oigara over reversed airline deposits

This stay is in place pending the determination of a petition filed by the bank.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye also restrained the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from instituting criminal charges against Oigara, Stanbic directors, or its staff until the case is heard and determined.

The court order follows a petition filed by Stanbic last month seeking to stop the Banking Fraud Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the DPP from pursuing charges against the bank's leadership in a dispute with Air Afrik Aviation Ltd.

Stanbic, through lawyer Hiram Nyabui, argued that the DCI's intended investigations pertain to a matter already pending before the High Court. The bank also alleged that police officers had stationed themselves at its offices with the intent of arresting officials, a move the bank contends would render its petition futile.

Justice Mwamuye directed that the case be mentioned on December 10 for further directions.

In response to Stanbic's petition, Air Afrik Aviation Ltd Managing Director Eric Lugalia urged the court to allow the DCI to conduct its investigations.

“It is only in the interest of justice that if the petitioners have nothing to hide, they should respond to the summons issued,” said Lugalia.