A former Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, was on Tuesday
absent from a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama,
where he was scheduled to be arraigned alongside others on charges of
diversion of about N2bn meant for for the dualisation of Section IV of
the East West Road.
Orubebe’s lawyer, Mr. F. Zimhuan, apologised to the trial judge,
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, for the absence of his client, whom he said
suddenly took ill after a domestic accident and rushed to the hospital.
Zimhuan said the ex-minister’s health was complicated his hypertensive condition.
The lawyer said, “The first defendant is in the hospital.
“His absence in court today is not deliberate. He suddenly took
ill. He had domestic accident affecting his ankle and wrist. He is
hypertensive and the cumulative effect was that they had to rush him to
the hospital.
“We want to give the assurance that the first accused will be ready
to face his trial anytime he is discharged from the hospital and we
pray that it won’t be long from today.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences
Commission, had preferred five counts against Orubebe alongside Oludare
Alaba, Ephraim Zeri (Director of Contracts) and Gitto Costruzioni
Generali Nigeria Limited.
Alaba and Zeri were present in court while Orubebe was absent on Tuesday.
But all the defendants including Orubebe were represented by their lawyers.
Mr. K.B Asunogie represented Alaba while Chief Kanu Agabi represented Zeri and Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited.
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