The re-arraignment of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, alongside his sons and other defendants, was on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja following a disagreement over which judge should continue hearing the case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) insisted that the matter be returned to the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, to conclude proceedings in line with a Supreme Court directive.
EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma, SAN, told the court that the commission had written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, seeking a fiat to enable Justice Ojukwu who is now serving at the Calabar Division to resume and conclude the trial.
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He argued that Justice Ojukwu had already taken substantial steps in the case, including the hearing of no fewer than 17 witnesses, and that continuity was necessary in the interest of justice.
“We Have Written To The Chief Judge On Why The Order Of The Supreme Court Must Be Obeyed,” Okoroma said, noting that the prosecution was still awaiting a response.
He therefore urged the court to grant an adjournment to allow time for the administrative decision on the request.
Counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Court Adjourns Matter To April 30
Ruling on the matter, Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the case until April 30 for re-arraignment or further proceedings.
“In The Circumstances Of This Case And In The Interest Of Justice, The Case Is Adjourned For Re-Arraignment And/Or Further Proceedings,” the judge held.
The case had earlier suffered a setback on March 13 when proceedings could not go ahead due to the absence of the defendants in court.
Supreme Court Judgment Reopens Trial
The development follows a January 16 Supreme Court judgment ordering a fresh trial of Lamido and others over alleged N1.35 billion money laundering charges.
The apex court set aside the Court of Appeal’s 2023 decision, which upheld a no-case submission and struck out the charges for lack of jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court restored the earlier ruling of Justice Ojukwu, which directed the defendants to enter their defence.
Lamido, Sons, And Companies On Trial
Lamido, who governed Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015, is being prosecuted over allegations of abuse of office and receipt of kickbacks from contractors handling state projects.
Also standing trial are his sons, Aminu and Mustapha; Aminu Wada Abubakar; and two companies, Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
