The trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, his sons, Aminu and Mustapha and two others was stalled yesterday, owing to claims that Aminu was ill.
Lamido, his sons and his former aides are standing trial before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a 27-count charge bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.
They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On Monday, a prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas, told the court how Lamido, his sons and cohorts allegedly received kickbacks, while masquerading the same as proceeds for executed sub-contracts.
Wetkas, the 18th prosecution witness and an operative with the EFCC, said investigations into the alleged fraud started in 2007 through to 2015.
He said: “We discovered that Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, which executed over 21 contracts totaling almost N30billion, had continuously paid over N1billion into the accounts of Speeds International Limited and Bamaina Holding Company – both accounts whose sole signatory is Alhaji Sule Lamido,” he said.
At the resumption of proceedings yesterday, prosecution lawyer, Chile Okoroma leading Wetkas in evidence, tendered various documents showing contracts awarded to Dantata and Sawoe, A G Ferraro, Interior Woodworks Limited, Bamaima Company Nigeria Limited as well as sub contracts from Dantata and Sawoe to Speeds International Limited with their acceptance letter, receipts, waybills, payment vouchers, delivery notes and photocopies of cheques issued.
At a point in the proceedings, Lamido’s lawyer, Offiong Offiong (SAN), sought a brief stand-down for Aminu to get medical attention because he was sick.
Justice Ademola stood the case down briefly, when the court resumed later, Aminu, who was driven out of the court premises to a hospital in a Sports Utility Van (SUV), was yet to return, prompting the judge to adjourn for the day.
The judge adjourned till May 9 for continuation of trial.