A former Minister of Niger Delta,
Godsday Orubebe, was on Tuesday absent from a High Court of the Federal Capital
Territory in Maitama, where he was scheduled to be arraigned alongside others
on charges of diversion of about N2bn meant for for the dualisation of Section
IV of the East West Road.
Orubebe’s lawyer, Mr. F. Zimhuan,
apologised to the trial judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, for the absence of
his client, whom he said suddenly took ill after a domestic accident and rushed
to the hospital.
Zimhuan said the ex-minister’s
health was complicated his hypertensive condition.
The lawyer said, “The first
defendant is in the hospital.
“His absence in court today is not
deliberate. He suddenly took ill. He had domestic accident affecting his ankle
and wrist. He is hypertensive and the cumulative effect was that they had to
rush him to the hospital.
“We want to give the assurance that
the first accused will be ready to face his trial anytime he is discharged from
the hospital and we pray that it won’t be long from today.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices
and other related offences Commission, had preferred five counts against
Orubebe alongside Oludare Alaba, Ephraim Zeri (Director of Contracts) and
Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited.
Alaba and Zeri were present in court
while Orubebe was absent on Tuesday.
But all the defendants including Orubebe
were represented by their lawyers.
Mr. K.B Asunogie represented Alaba
while Chief Kanu Agabi represented Zeri and Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria
Limited.
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