An Abuja Federal High Court today shifted the arraignment of former Gabriel Suswam and two former officials of his administration for allegedly laundering over N12 billion to a date yet to be specified. When the matter came up in court the presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, stated that the adjournment was to enable the prosecution put its house in order.
Those to be arraigned alongside with the former Governor are his former Finance Commissioner, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia and an Accountant in Government House, Mrs. Janet Aluga.
When the case, suit No. FHC /ABJ/CR /255 / 2016, came up in court, the former Governor was absent but counsel representing the defendants, Barrister A. O Ochogwu, who held brief for Joseph Daudu was present in court. The prosecution Counsel, Mr. D. Igbodo, appearing with G. Ijiona, told the court that due to the quantum of evidence and nature of the case, the Inspector General of Police has written to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for his consent before prosecuting the accused.
He explained that the former Governor was arrested but released on police bail. Mr Igbodo prayed the court to adjourn the case to another date to enable the prosecution put its house in order before the arraignment of the former Governor and his accomplices. Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Ochogwu did not oppose the application for the adjournment.
The presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole accordingly adjourned the case to an unspecified date to enable the prosecution put its house in order. In an interview after the case, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa said the Governor Samuel Ortom administration was leaving no stone unturned to recover looted money from those indicted by the Justice Kpojime Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
He stated that such funds would be channeled into the development of the state and appealed for the cooperation of all well-meaning citizens of the state.
By David Mzer
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