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Tag: Trial

  • Alleged homicide: ‘Sick’ Melaye, Police argue over fitness for trial in Kogi [Photos]

    Alleged homicide: ‘Sick’ Melaye, Police argue over fitness for trial in Kogi [Photos]

    The Nigeria Police Force has declared the Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye fit to face trial.

    The Police said it arrived at the conclusion after several test conducted on the Senator came out negative adding that it was an indication that the Senator was not medically challenged as he claimed.

    But Melaye urged the police to relocate him to National hospital after three days of treatment at Police hospital in Garki, Abuja.

    Certifying the Senator medically fit for trial, the Police Authority described the Senator’s request and actions so far as Nigerian Home video part 2.

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Police Medical, AIG Kaomi Amadu also faulted Melaye’s claim based on medical record from expert.

    Senator Melaye, whose Abuja residence was under siege for eight days surrendered to Police operatives at the weekend amidst drama which landed him in the hospital.

    The senator is wanted by the Police for a case of Criminal Conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide, committed on 19th July, 2018, when him and his armed thugs allegedly attacked Police personnel; shot and wounded Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) on stop and search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.

  • N6.9bn fraud: EFCC opens trial in Fayose’s trial

    The prosecution on Monday opened its case before a Federal High Court Lagos in the criminal trial of immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, charged with N6.9 billion fraud.

    Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Oct. 22 alongside his company — Spotless Investment Ltd on 11 counts.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court granted him bail in the sum of N50million with one surety in like sum and adjourned until Monday the case for trial.

    On Monday, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) appeared for the EFCC, while Messrs Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) represented the first and second accused respectively.

    Jacobs then called on first prosecution witness, Mr Lawrence Akande, a banker in a commercial bank in charge of South West 1, comprising Ogun, Oyo and Osun States.

    Led by the prosecutor, the witness told the court that in June 2014, he was called by one Abiodun Agbele, who informed him that he had about N1.2 billion cash lodgement to make in Akure.

    He told the court that afterwards, he also received a call from Fayose on the same issue, adding that since the lodgement was in Akure, he placed a call across to his colleague in Akure to follow up same.

    “This is all I know on this issue,” he said

    When asked if he knew the second accused, (Spotless Ltd), he replied that the company is a customer of his bank with account at Dugbe branch.

    The prosecutor then showed the witness some account opening document of Spotless Nig. Ltd, De Privateer Ltd, Still Earth Ltd as well as account document of first accused.

    The witness confirmed the document and they were admitted by the court and marked exhibit A.

    When asked where the account of Fayose was domiciled, the witness replied ” It is not domiciled within my domain but from the document before me here I can see Apapa,”

    Prosecutor: ” Tell the court if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) maintained an account with your bank,”

    Witness: ” Not only PDP, but so many other political parties”

    During cross examination, the witness told the court that he made statements to the EFCC, on June 6, 2016, and confirmed that he made no mention of the first accused in his earlier statement

    Being cross-examined by defence counsel, (Agabi) he said that he only made mention of Fayose in his subsequent statements.

    Defence then asked ” you said your colleagues handled the transactions, so it means your narration here is based on what you were told,”

    The witness replied, ” I was told how the cash was processed.”

    Defence : ” You had solicited for the defendant’s patronage before he came in as Governor. ”

    Witness: “We solicited for patronage on the opening of government account with out bank, because part of my business is to look for deposits.”

    Defence: “Until invited by the EFCC, you did not observe any abnormalities with this account,”

    Witness: ” No”

    During cross-examination by second defence counsel, (Ojo) the witness told the court that he had worked in banking sector for 28 years.

    He confirmed to the court that a person who is not a signatory to an account cannot make withdrawals from such account.

    According to the witness, there are withdrawal limits in every account and where withdrawals are to be made above the stipulated limits, it is reported to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate such transaction.

    Ojo: “With respect to cash lodgments into these companies, your bank never lodge any report of suspicious transaction, ”

    The witness replied”We had no reason to do so,”

    Ojo: “Do you confirm stating to the EFCC that before the account opening of De Privateer, the sums of N200 million was lodged in the acxount.,”

    Witnes “Yes”

    Defence: ” You agree that before June 2014, huge sums of money had been lodged in the account of De Privateer,”

    Witness “Yes”

    Ojo then asked ” Are you aware that the PDP before elections, organised fund raising, and do you know that political parties organise fund raising,’

    Witness” It is not impossible but I don’t know,”

    Ojo: ” I put it to you that you have never had any dealing with the account of the second defendant,”

    The witness replied ” you are correct ”

    Defence counsel then asked “your CCTV camera captures customers making lodgements in the bank,”

    Witness: ” If it is not faulty, it should, ”

    EFCC then called its second witness, Mr Abiodun Oshordi.

    The witness introduced himself as the Zonal head of the bank, covering South West 2 which includes, Ondo, Kwara and Ekiti, adding that he also supervises all branches in the three localities.

    Prosecutor: “Cast your mind to 2014 and tell the court what you know in relation to this case,”

    The witness told the court that he received a call from his colleague (Akande) that Agbele will be coming to make some lodgments and that he should organise a bullion van.

    He said that he waited for Agbele who arrived with one Sadiku and some escorts, adding that Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, the then Minister of State for Defence, and his aide, also accompanied them.

    According to him, as soon as the aircraft arrived, he moved with the bullion van towards the plane to evacuate the money.

    He said that the total sum amounted to N1.2billion, adding that they were lodged into accounts supplied by Agbele.

    He said that they include: Spotless Nig. Ltd, De Privateer Ltd as well as personal account of the first accused, while some cash were taken to Ado-Ekiti.

    When asked to look at the deposits in the account of Spotless Ltd from June 17 to Aug 4, 2014, he told the court that there was a lodgment of N100million on June 17.

    He said that on June 23, there was a cash lodgement of N49milion, on June 24, a cash lodgement of N200,000, while on Aug. 4, there was a cash lodgement of N40 million.

    According to him, on same Aug.4, there were also cash lodgements in the sums of N35million, N35million, N24million, N20million and N14 million respectively.

    The witness told the court that Agbele made the deposit of June 17, while from the statement before him, he could see that it is written Ayo as depositor of the funds on Aug.4.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun has adjourned until Jan.21 and 28 for continuation of trial.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti State, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution and which sum exceeded the amount allowed by law.

    He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain in their two bank accounts, the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the accused was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    The accused was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offences contravened the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

  • Alleged N2.2bn fraud: Fayose’s trial begins today

    Hearing will today (Monday) commence in the trial of the immediate past Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who was charged with an alleged N2.2bn fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The EFCC arraigned Fayose, alongside a firm, Spotless Limited, on October 22, 2018 before the Federal High Court in Lagos, six days after he bowed out of office as governor.

    The 11 counts pressed against him bordered on criminal breach of trust, theft and money laundering.

    But Fayose and Spotless Limited pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Following an application by his lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), a former Attorney General of the Federation, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun admitted Fayose to bail in the sum of N50m.

    She adjourned till November 19, 2018 for commencement of trial, stressing that the case would be heard on a day-to-day basis in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    In the charges, the EFCC alleged that on June 17, 2014 Fayose “took possession of the sum of N1, 219, 000,000 to fund your 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State, which you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    He was also accused to have, the same day, “received a cash payment of $5,000,000 from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the then Minister of State for Defence, which sum exceeded the amount authorised by law.”

    In another count, Fayose was accused of “taking control of an aggregate sum of N317,000,000,” which he allegedly deposited into the bank account of Spotless Limited, “a company controlled by you and your family.”

    He was also accused of “using an aggregate sum of N1,151,711,573 to acquire chalets 3 and 4, and 5 and 9 of the property situate at Plot 100 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos in the name of JJ Technical Service.”

     

  • Alleged N7.65 fraud: Kalu’s Germany trip stalls trial

    Alleged N7.65 fraud: Kalu’s Germany trip stalls trial

    Hearing in the trial of a former Governor of Abia, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, for alleged N7.65billion fraud was stalled on Monday due to the absence of the ex-governor from court.

    Kalu’s lawyer, Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN), told Justice Mohammed Idris at the Federal High Court in Lagos that his client was away in Germany for surgery.

    He added that the ex-governor had been advised by his doctors to remain in Germany for some time to recuperate.

    The defence counsel said the prosecuting counsel for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), was aware of the development and urged Justice Idris to further adjourn the case.

    But the EFCC prosecutor, Jacobs, said he was surprised at Kalu’s absence from court, adding that he did not know when the ex-governor obtained the court’s permission to travel out.

    Jacobs noted that having submitted his passport to the court as part of his bail conditions, Kalu must always apply to the court for the passport whenever he wished to travel.

    Describing the ex-governor’s absence from court as an attempt to frustrate the case, Jacobs urged Justice Idris to interpret Kalu’s absence to mean that he had jumped bail.

    “I am not aware when the 1st defendant wanted to travel. We only got to know that the 1st defendant travelled abroad for medical treatment through his media aide, one Kunle Oyewunmi.

    “Things must be done in accordance with the law. In my own view, what happened is that the 1st defendant has jumped bail. This is an attempt to further frustrate this trial because no application was made to the court to travel.

    “I urge Your Lordship to treat the absence of the 1st defendant as that he has jumped bail,” Jacobs said.

    Responding, however, the defence counsel urged Justice Idris to discountenance Jacob’s argument, saying as at when Kalu travelled out, the court had adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely).

    Ruling on the lawyers’ submissions, Justice Idris noted that it was true that the matter was adjourned sine die on Sept.27, but Kalu was on Nov. 2 served with a hearing notice that the case had been scheduled for Monday.

    The judge also noted that the court received a mail confirming Kalu’s treatment arrangement, but he said the defence counsel failed to attach any medical report to guide the court as to Kalu’s post-surgery treatment.

    Justice Idris said in the circumstance, he would, in the interest of justice, adjourn the case for the last time, stressing that Kalu must return from Germany within seven days and appear before the court.

    The judge ruled, “I have always stated that every citizen of this country is entitled to and has the right to seek medical treatment abroad.

    “This right is guaranteed by the constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is an inalienable right.

    “However, this right has exceptions; therefore, in exercising this right, due regard must be had for the law and due process.

    “Apart from the mail confirming the treatment arrangement of the 1st defendant, the defence counsel should have obtained a medical report on the condition of the 1st defendant post-surgery.

    “This would have properly guided the court in the proceedings of today.

    “However, in the light of the entirety of this case and in the interest of justice, I am prepared to grant to the 1st defendant a final adjournment in respect of this matter.

    “In the light of the provisions of the ACJA, I shall not adjourn for more than seven days from today. It is, therefore, hereby directed that the 1st defendant shall return to the country within seven days from today’s date for the hearing of this matter.” he said

    The court adjourned the case untill Nov. 12 for continuation of trial.

  • Buhari must hasten trial of past corrupt governors – SERAP

    Buhari must hasten trial of past corrupt governors – SERAP

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has sent an open letter to Muhammadu Buhari urging him touse his “good offices and leadership position to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN to without delay take over and expeditiously prosecute grand corruption cases involving all indicted former state governors and to prosecute indicted serving governors at the expiration of their tenure as governors.

    The organization said, “the trial of several former state governors accused of corruption and money laundering have continued to linger in different high courts in the country. Some of the grand corruption cases involving former governors started in 2007 are yet to properly commence.”

    In the letter dated 5 October 2018 and signed by SERAP deputy director Timothy Adewale, the organization said, “We are concerned that the continuing delay in the prosecution of former governors suspected of committing acts of grand corruption to logical conclusion has sent a negative message that the governors are untouchable. The delay is also contributing to perception among Nigerians that many of these influential and powerful past governors are being protected by the power and political set up.”

    According to the organization, “instructing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN to take over and directly and expeditiously prosecute all cases of grand corruption involving former governors, would be entirely consistent with his duties under the Constitution, and contribute to upholding the majesty of law and vindicating the rule of law.”

    The organization warned that, “should the Attorney General not take over the cases of corruption against all past corrupt governors as requested, SERAP would, on account of the public interest involved, and to ensure that no further time is lost in the completion of these cases, consider appropriate legal action to compel the authorities to discharge their constitutional duties, consistent with the basic tenet of the rule of law, the concept of equality and the cause of justice.”

    The statement read in part: “the continuing delay in the prosecution of former governors alleged to have committed acts of corruption is a significant factor contributing to impunity of those engaging in grand corruption, thereby posing a serious threat to probity in public life, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The delay in the prosecution of former governors who no longer enjoy constitutional immunity also suggests that they are above the law.”

    “Nigerians deserve to see the prosecution of all indicted former governors to logical conclusion if your government is to demonstrate the credibility of its commitment to combat grand corruption and eliminate any impression of bias or lack of fairness in the fight against corruption. Everyone accused of corruption should be brought to justice in accordance with the law and irrespective of the height at which those involved are placed in the power and political set up.”

    “The delay also has serious implications for human rights because the lack of effective prosecution of grand corruption cases involving former governors has created the tendency among many serving governors to engage in corruption, which would ultimately have deleterious effects on the enjoyment of human rights including the rights to healthcare, water, quality education and regular electricity supply.”

    “SERAP believes that everyone against whom there is reasonable suspicion of committing a crime of corruption has to be treated equally and similarly under the law situation with a view in ensure proper implementation of the rule of law. This is the need of equality guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.”

    “The right to equality in a situation like the corruption cases involving former governors is that of the Nigerian polity and not merely of a few individuals. The Attorney General is constitutionally empowered to take over and expeditiously prosecuted the cases against former governors to ensure justice and enforce the concept of equality.”

    “The continuing delay in the prosecution of former governors accused of corruption amounts to a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the UN Convention against to which Nigeria is a state party.”

    “Many of the 31 past governors accused of corruption are escaping justice, some of the cases dating back to 2003. “The Attorney General is a defender of public interest and has the powers under Section 174(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against anyone suspected to be responsible for acts of corruption.”

    “The delay can no longer be justified. Unless there is proper prosecution of indicted former governors, the effort made to investigate their cases would not bear fruition. Cases of corruption against high-ranking public officials, particularly all indicted former governors must be conducted and completed expeditiously if the government is to retain public confidence in the impartiality of its fight against corruption.”

    “Any taking over and prosecution of the grand corruption cases involving former governors should not dilute adherence to the essentials of a fair trial and the basic principles of our constitutional jurisprudence including the presumption of innocence of the accused unless found guilty at the end of the trial.”

    “SERAP also notes that Governors control about 47 per cent of accruals to the Federation Account – both its own share and that of the local governments. Also, the Attorney General once started that “It is the position of the present administration that these suspected governors must be prosecuted in line with the anti-corruption agenda of the government.”

    “Ending corruption by state governors would contribute to respect for human rights including ensuring adequate medical and health facilities for all persons in the country; which would help to protect the health of the people and ensure that they receive medical attention when they are sick.”

     

  • Chief Justice okays probe, trial of Supreme Court Justices

    Chief Justice okays probe, trial of Supreme Court Justices

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Wednesday, gave security agencies in the country the nod to investigate allegation that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State procures judgments from the Supreme Court.

    The CJN who is currently attending a conference in Canada, said his attention was drawn to reports concerning allegation by one Joe Igbokwe, to the effect that Wike buys Justice from the apex court after killings in his home state.

    Justice Onnoghen decried that such denigrating allegation was capable of degrading the judiciary as an institution, even as he urged security and relevant anti-corruption agencies in the country to commence investigations with a view to identifying the said Justices of the Supreme Court.

    However, the CJN maintained that security agencies were duty bound to take necessary steps against Igbokwe if his allegation is found to be false, so as to protect the institution of the state.

    A statement that was signed by media aide to the CJN, Mr. Awassam Bassey, read:

    “The attention of the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), His Lordship, Hon. Mr. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, has been drawn to media reports about allegations by a certain Joe Igbokwe, to the effect that Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, buys justice from the Supreme Court after killings in his home state of Rivers.

    “The comment, which states inter alia: ‘Wike will not have the audacity and temerity to kill again and run to the Supreme Court to buy justice’, is reportedly contained in a social media platform which has made its way into online and traditional Nigerian media.

    “The implication of this statement is, first and foremost, that Mr. Igbokwe has evidence to show that Mr. Nyesom Wike is a killer, and secondly that upon such killings, the Governor runs to the Supreme Court to buy justice.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, no appeal has ever been filed at the Supreme Court wherein Mr Wike was accused of murder.

    “Nevertheless, the Hon. Chief Justice calls on relevant security agencies, including those involved in fighting corruption, to begin investigations into the said comments with a view to identifying the said Justices of the Supreme Court.

    “If, however, it is found that the allegations are false, the agencies have a duty to take necessary steps, in accordance with the law, to protect the institutions of state.

    “Where institutions of state are unjustifiably maligned at will, they may be rendered ineffective and the peace, security and democratic governance of the nation might be endangered or compromised.

    “The killing of any human being is an offence that is punishable by death and should never be taken lightly.

    “The Hon. CJN continues to encourage the general public to use only lawful means in the pursuit of remedies for their grievances.

    “The Hon. CJN, once again, assures Nigerians that the Judiciary of this great nation remains committed to the discharge of its responsibilities, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,without fear or favour; affection or ill-will”.

  • Alleged N400m fraud: Metuh, lawyers absent from court as trial proceeds

    Alleged N400m fraud: Metuh, lawyers absent from court as trial proceeds

    The trial of a former National Publicity of the Peoples Democratic, Olisa Metuh, proceeded before the Federal High Court in Abuja in his absence and that of his lawyers on Friday.

    Metuh had, since his fall in court on Monday, been absent from the trial.

    His lawyer, Mr. Emeka Etiaba (SAN), who had since been appearing for him, did not attend the Thursday and Friday proceedings without any explanation offered for his absence.

    No lawyer in the defendant’s defence team led by Etiaba and another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, attended the Thursday and Friday proceedings.

    Justice Okon Abang was forced to adjourn on Thursday due to the absence of legal representation for Metuh on Thursday.

    But on Friday, the judge ordered the continuation of the trial after overruling an objection to the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, for the trial to proceed in the absence of Metuh and his lawyers.

    The objection was raised by Mr. Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN), the counsel for Metuh’s co-accused, Destra Investment Limited, who had argued that the law never envisaged that a criminal trial would ever be conducted behind a defendant and his counsel.

    But in dismissing the objection, Justice Abang ruled that although the court had ruled that the matter would proceed in Metuh’s absence, the absence of the defence team was designed to frustrate the trial.

    The judge explained that the court did not bar Metuh from the proceedings but only held that “the trial will proceeding in his absence” due to what the court described as the defendant’s ‎”misconduct” in court on Monday.

  • Court grants EFCC’s prayer, to continue Metuh’s trial in his absence

    …Summons Channels TV reporter, General Manager

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the criminal trial of a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, will henceforth proceed in his absence.

    Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling on Wednesday, said the court was entitled to proceed with the trial in Metuh’s absence, considering the defendant’s previous several attempts to frustrate the trial and the way he allegedly conducted himself after he fell down in court on Monday.

    Recall that the EFCC had prayed the court on Tuesday to continue the trial in Metuh’s absence.

    The judge ruled, “The application by prosecution deserves to succeed.

    “The trial shall proceed in the absence of the defendant. See Section 266(a) and section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.”

    The court also summoned the General Manager of the Channels Television in Abuja and a presenter with the television, Mrs. Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, to appear before the court on May 25.

    The judge said the television’s officials were being summoned in respect of the prosecution’s allegation that the television aired prejudicial statements allegedly made by a lawyer in Metuh’s defence team, Mr. Ben Chuks Nwosu, during the medium’s Tuesday’s edition of Sunrise Daily.

    Metuh fell down as he was making his way to the dock on Monday.

    He was later taken away in the court’s ambulance and has since been absent from court during both the Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s proceedings.

    But Justice Abang held on Wednesday that Metuh deliberately fell down on Monday.

    The judge noted that Metuh chose to deliberately ignore the lawful directive of the court instructing him to remain seated and not to go into the dock.

    He said Metuh chose to move towards the dock and then fell down.

    He said Metuh went on to disturb proceedings by whimpering and groaning loudly “to give the impression that he was in pains” and made the court to look like an accident scene.

  • N26m scam: Absence of witness stalls Fani-Kayode’s trial

    The trial of Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation was on Tuesday stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to absence of a prosecution witness.

    Fani-Kayode was docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a 5-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust,

    The prosecutor, Mrs Ashibi Anedu, told the court that the matter was for continuation of trial, but unfortunately the witness was absent.

    She said that the witness, Mr Francis Abu, was with them on Monday, but just when they were about to start the pre-trial, the “man excused himself and went out.’’

    Anebu said that they made frantic efforts to reach him on phone but all to no avail.

    She also said that the investigators equally made efforts to get to the witness but could not reach him.

    The prosecutor made an application pursuant to Section 241 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) 2015, for a witness summons to be officially served on the witness.

    “We humbly apologise that the matter cannot go on today. May the court grant our application,’’ Anedu said.

    The defence counsel, Mr Victor Okwudiri, did not oppose the application for adjournment.

    Justice John Tsoho asked the prosecution to furnish the court with the name and address of the witness, and ordered that a witness summons be served on him.

    Tsoho adjourned the matter until Sept. 24 for continuation of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Fani-Kayode was arraigned by the EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering.

    The ex-aviation minister was accused of collecting N26 million from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and using same for media campaign, contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering Act.

    He pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in like sum.

     

  • 1,574 inmates awaiting trial in Anambra Prisons – Official

    1,574 inmates awaiting trial in Anambra Prisons – Official

    No few than 1,574 inmates out of 1,761 prisoners in Anambra are currently awaiting trial for various offences, the state’s Controller of Prisons, Mr Emmanuel Nwakaeze has said.

    Nwakaeze, who gave the figure in an interview with newsmen in Onitsha on Friday, said the inmates spread across four prisons in Aguata, Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi.

    According to him, 48 of the of the awaiting trial inmates are females.

    “The total number of awaiting trial inmates constituted 78 per cent of the total inmates in the state prisons.

    “The Awka Prison houses 374 inmates; Onitsha Prison has 887 inmates; Nnewi 282 and the Aguata Prison has 218 inmates. 65 per cent are citizens of the state,” he said.

    The Controller noted that 30 inmates were currently condemned in the prisons under the command.

    Nwakaeze said congestion was the major challenges of the command as it created room for unhealthy environment that could lead to outbreak of cholera, tuberculosis and other killer diseases.

    He appealed to Gov. Willie Obiano, Non-Governmental Organisations and philanthropists to assist the command with waste disposal tanks and vehicles for the evacuation of wastes.

    The commander also solicited assistance in the area of electricity transformers, vehicles, ambulances and other amenities to improve the welfare of inmates.

    He commended the Controller-General of Prisons, Alhaji Ja’ Afaru Ahmed for improving the welfare of prisoners and promotion of officers.

    “The Controller-General has done a lot to ensure the decongestion of prisons across the country.”

    He also commended the state governor and the Chief Judge of the state for their initiatives to decongest the prisons yearly.