Ex-Gov. Lamido’s N1.35 billion fraud trial stalls over defence lawyer’s absence

The trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and his two sons, facing charges of alleged N1.35 billion fraud, was stalled on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Proceedings were halted because the lead defence lawyer, Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was absent due to health reasons. Agi is reportedly recovering from surgery and had requested an adjournment. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that the prosecution lawyer, Chile Okoroma (SAN), informed Judge Ijeoma Ojukwu of Agi's absence and his request for a postponement. Okoroma wished Agi a speedy recovery but argued that another member of the defence team should have been present to allow the trial to continue, especially given the case's long duration since 2015. Judge Ojukwu granted a one-day adjournment for the continuation of the trial. The case involves 37 money laundering charges related to alleged kickbacks and fictitious contract awards during Lamido's tenure as governor between 2007 and 2015. Lamido and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty. This case has been in court for over a decade. After the EFCC closed its case, the defendants' no-case submission was dismissed in November 2022. However, the Court of Appeal overturned this decision, ruling the Federal High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction. The Supreme Court later reinstated the original ruling, directing the defendants to return to the Federal High Court to continue their defence.

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Another counsel in his team ought to have appeared for him so that the trial can continue, especially as the matter has lingered in court since 2015.