COURT ADJOURNS LAMIDO, SONS’ N1.35BN FRAUD TRIAL OVER COUNSEL’S ABSENCE0

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, over an alleged N1.35 billion fraud following the absence of the defence counsel.
The trio are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and unlawful diversion of public funds during Lamido’s tenure as governor of Jigawa State.
At the resumed hearing, proceedings could not continue after the defence lawyer failed to appear in court. Counsel representing the EFCC informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial, but the matter had to be stalled because the defence was not represented.
The trial judge subsequently adjourned the case to a later date, directing both the prosecution and defence to ensure their readiness for the continuation of hearing.
Sule Lamido and his sons have consistently denied all the allegations levelled against them and pleaded not guilty to the charges. They remain on bail pending the conclusion of the trial.
The case, which has witnessed several adjournments over the years, is one of the high-profile corruption cases being prosecuted by the EFCC involving former public office holders.
The court is expected to resume hearing on the next adjourned date as both parties continue the legal battle over the alleged N1.35 billion fraud.