Politics

N2bn fraud case: Orubebe hypertensive, absent in court

Published

8 years ago

August 31, 2016

The trial of a former Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, was on Tuesday stalled as he was absent from court due to what his lawyer said was caused by a sudden illness.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, had dragged the former minister before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama over allegations of diversion of about N2 billion meant for for the dualisation of Section IV of the East West Road.

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The former minister’s lawyer, Mr. F. Zimhuan, apologised for the absence of his client, claiming he suddenly took ill after a domestic accident and had to be rushed to the hospital.

He equally informed the court that Orubebe’s health was complicated by his hypertensive condition.

Zimhuan said: “The first defendant is in the hospital.

“His absence in court today is not deliberate. He suddenly took ill. He had domestic accident affecting his ankle and wrist. He is hypertensive and the cumulative effect was that they had to rush him to the hospital.

“We want to give the assurance that the first accused will be ready to face his trial anytime he is discharged from the hospital and we pray that it won’t be long from today.”

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The ICPC filed a five count charge against Orubebe alongside Oludare Alaba, Ephraim Zeri (Director of Contracts) and Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited.

Both Alaba and Zeri were present in court.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews…

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