Proceedings in the alleged corruption case involving former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, were on Wednesday adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) awaits a crucial administrative decision on the conduct of the retrial, ENigeria Newspaper has learnt.
Presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, fixed April 30 for re-arraignment or further proceedings after the prosecution requested more time. The request is tied to a pending response from the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, over whether the case should be reassigned to the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
Counsel to the EFCC, Chile Okoroma, SAN, told the court that the commission had formally written to the Chief Judge, seeking a fiat that would allow Justice Ojukwu who has since been redeployed to the Calabar division to conclude the matter. According to him, the move is necessary to comply with the directive of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and to preserve the progress already made in the trial.
The prosecution noted that no fewer than 17 witnesses had been called before the earlier proceedings were halted, arguing that restarting the case before a new judge could undermine judicial efficiency. Defence counsel, Joe Agi, SAN, did not oppose the application for adjournment.
The case has faced repeated delays, including the stalled re-arraignment on March 13, when Lamido and his co-defendants were absent in court.
The latest development follows a January 16 ruling by the Supreme Court, which ordered a fresh trial after overturning the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The appellate court had earlier struck out the 37-count charge against Lamido and others, citing lack of jurisdiction by the Federal High Court.
In setting aside that judgement, the apex court restored the earlier ruling of Justice Ojukwu, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission and directed them to enter their defence.
Lamido is being prosecuted alongside his sons, Aminu and Mustapha, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and their companies — Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.
The EFCC alleges that during his tenure between 2007 and 2015, the former governor abused his office and laundered funds obtained as kickbacks from contractors awarded projects by the Jigawa State government.
