The absence of the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, stalled the trial of a former Niger state Governor Babangida Aliyu and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate in the 2019 governorship in the state, Alhaji Umar Nasko.
Aliyu is standing trial alongside Nasko, a former commissioner of Environment, on 8-count charge of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The offences are contrary to section 18(a) of the money laundering Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15(3) of same Act.
The two are accused of laundering ecological funds of over N1.940bn released by the Federal Government to the state in 2014.
Daily Trust reports that the matter had been adjourned till today for the prosecution to call its remaining witnesses. But counsel to the EFCC failed to show up at the adjourned date.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the first defendant, Olajide Ayodele (SAN) wondered why the prosecution failed to show up without prior notice.
Counsel to the second defendant, Mamman Osuman (SAN) prayed the court to adjourn the matter until Tuesday in the interest of justice since the case had been slated for Monday and Tuesday.
In her ruling, the Justice Yellim Bogoro adjourned the matter until Tuesday, Dec.11 for continuation of hearing.
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