Alleged N1.35b fraud: absence of defense lawyer blocks trial against Lamido, Sons – THIS UPDATE

The trial of the former governor of Jigawa State and his two sons, Aminu Lamido and Mustapha Lamido at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu was stalled on Monday, July 20, 2026 due to the absence of the lead defense lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the defendants on 37 counts, involving alleged money laundering, kickbacks and awarding of fictitious contracts amounting to $1.35 billion, allegedly committed while Sule Lamido, the prime defendant was governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015.

At the start of Monday’s proceedings, the prosecuting lawyer, Chile Okoroma, SAN, informed the court of a letter from the lead counsel, informing him of his absence in court due to some medical issues regarding surgery and requested an adjournment.

While wishing the defense lawyer well, Okoroma said Agi should have deputed another lawyer from his team to appear for him so that the trial could continue, especially as the matter has remained in court since 2015.

Also, the EFCC lawyer highlighted the fact that the presiding judge flew in from his jurisdiction of Calabar, Cross River State, to preside over the matter at the Federal High Court, Abuja. He accordingly prayed to the court for a single day’s adjournment.

Justice Ojukwu ruled in favor of the prosecution and adjourned the matter to Tuesday, July 20, 2022 for continuation of trial.

Post views:
138