The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday re-arraigned a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, on a 43-count amended charge bordering on abuse of office and money laundering before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
The case had previously been heard by Justices Adeniyi Ademola and Babatunde Quadri before its eventual transfer to Justice Ojukwu by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati.
It would be recalled that Lamido had earlier challenged the transfer of his case at the Federal High Court, Abuja from Justice Adeniyi Ademola (now retired) to Justice Babatunde Quadri for determination.
Lamido was arraigned alongside two of his sons – Aminu Sule Lamido and Mustapha Sule Lamido; Aminu Wada Abubakar, Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd for allegedly defrauding the state to the tune of N1.35billion.
He allegedly abused his position as governor between 2007 and 2015 by awarding contracts to companies where he had interest, using his two sons as fronts.
The former governor was equally alleged to have collected kickbacks from contractors in the state, with the funds allegedly paid into accounts that were managed by his sons.
Justice Ojukwu, thereafter, adjourned to November 22, 2018, for trial.
Defendants pleaded not guilty to the count charges.
In view of the defendants’ plea, Chile Okoroma, counsel to EFCC, urged the court to fix a date for trial.
Justice Ojukwu, thereafter, adjourned to November 22, 2018, for trial.
