FEATURED
Judge’s Absence Stalls Trial of Ex-Niger Gov, Babangida Aliyu, Others
The trial of former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, before Justice Mikailu Abdullahi of the Niger State High Court for alleged N2billion fraud, could not proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, due to the absence of the judge.
Aliyu is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, along with his then Chief of Staff, Umar Nasko, and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Niger State Chapter, Barrister Tanko Beji, on seven-count amended charges, bordering on criminal breach of trust.
At the last hearing, Wednesday October 23 and Thursday, October 24, were fixed for continuation of trial and cross-examination of first prosecution witness, (PW1), Bala Muhammad, an operative of the EFCC.
Though prosecution counsel, Ocholi Okutepa and Hadiza Afegbua were present in court on October 23, for the cross-examination and continuation of trail, the trial judge, Justice Abdullahi, was absent.
No reason was given for his absence as both the prosecution and defence counsel agreed to move proceedings to November 7, 2019.
One of the charges against the defendants reads: “That you, Tanko Beji, sometime between 1st January, 2011 and 31st May, 2011 in Minna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, abetted the commission of criminal breach of trust by intentionally aiding Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the former governor (also known as Chief Servant) of Niger State to dishonestly convert to his own use, the sum of N937,110,500 which was withdrawn from Niger State Government House Security Account.”
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Umahi Orders Reconstruction Of Benin-Asaba Highway, Reopens First Niger Bridge With CCTV, Solar Lights
Minimum Wage: NLC, FG Clash Over Timing of Fresh Wage Review
Yahaya Bello Fraud Trial: BDC Operator Reveals How N1.425bn Was Used To Pay Bello Children’s School Fees At AISA
Dokubo-Asari To Be Crowned Amanyanabo Of The Source Dec 19, As Tonye Princewill Chairs Coronation Committee
Ebenco Refinery Gets NMDPRA Approval To Introduce Hydrocarbons, Advances To Commissioning
Delta: Police Arrest Man For Attempted Armed Robbery, Stabbing Woman in Alifekede Village
Delta Police Arrest Three Over Theft Of N2m, POS Machine In Okwagbe Waterside
Oluremi Tinubu Pays Homage to Oba of Benin in Benin City
Delta NUJ Election: Oyowe Re-elected Chairman, Defeats Obieh
2027 Delta Central: Omo-Agege Accuses Dafinone Of Sponsoring Petitions, Says He’s Scared Of Election
‘No Vacancy’: Senators Endorse Akpabio for Second Term as Senate President
Donald Duke To Gov Diri: You’re A Local Champion Over Coastal Highway Opposition
2027: Why I Won’t Attend Every APC Campaign Rally – Tinubu
Isoko South Council Distributes Desks To Public Primary Schools In Delta
Okpara Inland Crisis: Delta CP Visits Community Over Killing Of Don Cross, Orders Investigation
