Lawyers to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, on Monday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he had been stranded in the United Arab Emirate after initially testing positive for COVID-19.
Adoke is facing 14-count charges of alleged money laundering valued at N527 million, alongside businessman, Abubakar Aliyu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
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At the resumed hearing on Monday, lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo that Adoke, who was granted permission to travel abroad for medical examination on December 11, 2020, was stuck in the UAE.
Agabi apologized on behalf of Adoke for his absence and informed the court that although the defendant has now tested negative for the virus, he has been unable to get flight back to the country to face his trial.
“He is now negative after the treatment but he was unable to get flight to the country. Happily, he will return tomorrow, January 12, 2021,” Agabi said.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to March 1 and 4 for trial continuation.
