Defendants fail to appear as N1.35bn fraud case hits another delay.
The retrial of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, his two sons, and others over alleged N1.35 billion fraud was stalled Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the defendants’ absence.
The case, now reassigned to Justice Peter Lifu, could not proceed even as EFCC and defendants’ lawyers were present. Counsel Joe Agi, SAN, explained the defendants, based in Kano, could not travel to Abuja on time due to late hearing notices and unavailable flights. They are expected in court April 1.
EFCC lawyer Chile Okoroma, SAN, sought to revert the case to former trial judge Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, prompting a brief exchange on court protocol, with Justice Lifu insisting the trial must commence under his supervision.
The Supreme Court had ordered the trial of Lamido and co-defendants on Jan. 16, overturning a 2023 Court of Appeal ruling that had dismissed the 37-count charge for lack of jurisdiction.
Lamido and others face allegations of abusing office between 2007–2015, including laundering kickbacks from Jigawa State government contracts. Defendants include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, and business associates linked to Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.
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