Mohammed Adoke. Channels TV/ Sodiq Adelakun.
The trial of a former Minister of Justice and
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke, over
money laundering allegations has suffered a setback.
Adoke and one other, Aliyu Abubakar, are being prosecuted by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges
bordering on money laundering.
The duo were charged with 14 amended counts at the Federal High
Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo.
In a statement on Monday, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity,
Wilson Uwujaren, explained that the trial could not go on because
the former minister was absent in court.
Counsel to the defendant, Kanu Agabi, informed Justice Ekwo that
his client could not make it to the court as he was held back in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He revealed that the former minister was on the verge of
returning to Nigeria when he tested positive for COVID-19 and was
held back in Dubai.
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Agabi, however, disclosed that his client had since tested
negative for the virus after treatment but could not fly back to
the country in time for the hearing.
He pleaded with the court for an extension of the time given to
the defendant to take care of himself and be fit for trial.
On his part, the prosecution counsel, Bala Sanga, did not object
to the request of the defence lawyer.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo adjourned proceedings in the trial
until March 1 to 4.
At the last adjourned date on December 15, 2020, the court had
granted Adoke permission to travel to Dubai on health grounds but
was expected to return for the hearing fixed for January 11,
2021.
However, when the case was called, the defendant was absent.
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2021/01/12/adokes-alleged-money-laundering-trial-suffers-setback/