- The absence of Justice Babs Kuewumi stalls the trial of Gbenga Makanjuola over an alleged N3.5 billion
- Gbenga Makanjuola is facing trial with some other accused at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos
- They earlier pleaded not guilty when arraigned and were granted bail in the sum of N250 million each
The trial of Gbenga Makanjuola, an aide to Bukola Saraki, the president of the Senate, over an alleged NN3.5 billion fraud could not hold on Tuesday, December 4, as the presiding judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos was absent.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Babs Kuewumi was absent and as a result, the continuation of trial could not hold as earlier scheduled. The judge was said to be on an official assignment.
READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda
Following the development, the court adjourned the hearing until January 10, 2019.
The report said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed an 11-count fraud charge against Makanjuola, a deputy chief of staff to Saraki, Melrose General Services Ltd, and Obiorah Amobi, (operations manager at Melrose).
The EFCC also charged Kolawole Shittu, (a cashier) and Robert Chidozie, who is believed to be ‘at large’.
The report quoted the accused as pleading not guilty to the charges. They were admitted to bail in the sum of N250 million each with sureties in like sums.
PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates
It was learnt that the accused were alleged to have committed the offence in December 2016, after allegedly conspiring to disguise the unlawful origin of the sum of N3.5 billion paid into the account of Melrose.
Legit.ng reported earlier how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, October 3, arraigned Gbenga Makanjuola for an alleged fraud of N3.5 billion.
It was reported Makanjuola was arraigned alongside a firm, Melrose General Services Limited, and one Obiorah Amobi before the Federal High Court in Lagos state.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.
Top 3 Nigerian Political Divorces: Breakups That Affect Everyone | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng