Orubebe’s Trial: CCT Fails To Produce Witness, Adjourns To Nov 26

Orubebe is facing a 4 count charge over allegations of false declaration of assets and acceptance of bribe amounting to N70 million.

Orubebe, who was arraigned before the Justice Danladi Umar-led Code of Conduct Tribunal, pleaded not guilty to the four counts preferred against him.

The four-count charge was filed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) by Peter Danladi of the CCB on October 8, 2015.

After Orubebe pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him, the counsel to the prosecution, Ibrahim Usman, told the court that he would like to request an adjournment since his witnesses against the ex-minister were not in court.

Justice Danladi frowned at the inability of Usman and his team to produce the witnesses. He also dismissed the request of the defence counsel to have Orubebe released on bail, stating that the court had no reason to discuss his arrest or bail.

He said Orubebe was expected to always appear before the court.

Justice Danladi however ruled that the matter be adjourned till 26 November 2015 for a definite hearing.

The four count charge preferred against Orubebe reads:

“That you, Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29th 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2722 Kyamu District Abuja on assumption of office on 26th September 2007 and on leaving office (at the end of your tenure), on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29, 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2059 Asokoro district, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of the CCB & T Act, and punishable under section 23 (2) of the CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on or about September 19, 2012 asked for and accepted the sum of fifty million naira from one Pastor (Dr) Jonathan Alota, as bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & T Act, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Orubebe, while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about 2013 asked for and accepted the sum of twenty million naira from one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota as additional bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company Chemtronics Nigeria Limited for the construction of skill acquisition Centre at Edo State for the sum of one billion seven hundred and ninety nine million, nine hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and fifty naira eighty eight kobo only (N 1,799,914,251.88K) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of CCB & T Act.”