8.4 C
New York
Saturday, November 23, 2024

Judge Threatens to Revoke Bail of Pension Fraud Suspect

Published:

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img
EFCC-OPERATIVES-OUTSIDE-IBADAN-HIGH-COURT-OYO-STATE1

Kogi Poll: Should INEC Have Cancelled The Entire Election - and Conduct A Fresh One?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...
EFCC Press Release
Justice Dairus Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna today threatened to revoke the bail granted to Muhammed Sodangi, an accused person standing trial on 13 counts of personation and stealing to the tune of N66million, over the continued absence of his counsel, Jafar Abbas in court.
Sodangi was arraigned in May 2014 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for allegedly defrauding the Kaduna State government of N66million by abusing his position as pension consultant to the state government, to smuggle his name into the pension payroll.
The EFCC has so far presented four witnesses ( two from banks and two officials of the state government)  and was set to present  its last two witnesses today but  for the absence of the defence counsel.

READ ALSO  Call for support of the INCLUSIVE government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR): Why other Statesmen in Nigeria should emulate Engineer Prince Arthur Eze's commitment to the Unity and Progress of Nigeria

When the matter was called, prosecution counsel Sylvanus Tahir informed the court that he had his witnesses in court and was ready to continue with the hearing.
However, the accused who was already in the dock, had no legal representation. On enquiry, Sodangi told the court that his lawyer sent him a text message, informing him of the session today, on  Friday, November 27, 2015. “My lord, I tried calling him but I could not get through. I do not know his whereabouts or why he is not here,” he stated.
The presiding judge noted that the accused person’s response confirmed that his counsel was aware of the date for the hearing but deliberately stayed away. He reminded the accused that criminal trials are supposed to be conducted expeditiously.

READ ALSO  Tinubu’s Loans Are Killing Nigerias, And Our Economy
“If you were in prison am sure your relations will do the needful to get your lawyer to come.” Justice Khobo urged the accused to contact his counsel to ensure the trial continues or risk the revocation of the bail earlier granted him by the court.
The Judge then adjourned the matter to January 19, 2016.
- Advertisement -spot_img

Hey there! Exciting news - we've deactivated our website's comment provider to focus on more interactive channels! Join the conversation on our stories through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media pages, and let's chat, share, and connect in the best way possible!

Join our social media

For even more exclusive content!

- Advertisement -spot_img

TOP STORIES

- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -

Of The Week
CARTOON

247Ureports Protects its' news articles from plagiarism as an important part of maintaining the integrity of our website.