Abuja Court Adjourns Sule Lamido Trial

The Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Thursday adjourned the case between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

The former governor, Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited are being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly defrauding Jigawa State of 1.35 billion naira.

The Judge, Ifeoma Ojukwu adjourned the trial to 27,28,29 and 30th of April as well as 4,5 and 6th of May after the EFCC counsel, M.S. Abubakar was not able to accurately present his case in one of the exhibits and also prayed the court for more days.

The prosecution counsel, Abubakar and his witness mentioned a particular cheque payment made to Dantata (Sule Lamido’s company) twice with the same figures to which the defence counsel, Uffiong Essien objected.

EFCC’s lawyer admitted that there was an error in presentation, adding that it will be fixed.

Justice Ojukwu also said that counsels should have record of proceedings.

EFCC’s lawyer prayed the court to grant him five more days to bring in five other witnesses.

But the defence counsel, Essien told the judge that the case was being delayed.

“My appeal in this matter is I am interested in justice; speedy one; it will save us time.

“We are not opposed to the cheques and we are not denying that cheques were paid into those accounts; this is a 2015 matter.”

Justice Ojukwu showed dissatisfaction at the manner the prosecution was establishing his case.

“I’m not going to accommodate this next time.

“It is your case; you must understand how to establish your case,” Ojukwu said.

Ojukwu also told the defendant’s counsel that the fact that he agrees with certain payments made to and through Lamido’s company does not conclude the trial.

“Despite the fact that you said you are not objecting does not end the matter, especially in a criminal trial,” she said.

Both parties agreed on the dates, 27,28,29,30 April and 4,5,6 May.

“So I adjourn to the dates; nothing is guaranteed,” the Justice said.