The absence of Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah of a High Court in Bayelsa on Monday stalled the trial of John Idumange, who raised an alarm over alleged diversion of N3 billion Agriculture loan by government officials in Bayelsa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that court registry staff informed litigants and their counsel that Justice Uzakah, will not be sitting.
Although no reason was advanced for the absence of the judge, court officials said that the judge had directed parties and their lawyers in the cases listed to pick a new date for adjournment.
The court clerks subsequently fixed Feb 1, for continuation of trial following agreement by Prosecution Counsel, Director of Public Prosecution in Bayelsa Mrs Iyobol Apulu and Defence Counsel Mr Ebikebuna Aluzu.
NAN reports that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa, Biriyai Sambo, SAN, filed a suit against Idumange for misdemeanour and seditious publications against government officials.
NAN reports that a Magistrates’ Court had on March 11 in Yenagoa, ordered Idumange’s detention for 30 days, pending police investigation.
Idumange, who alleged that officials of Bayelsa government had diverted a N3 billion Agric loan and subsequently submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was arrested on March 10.
Some officials of the state government, reported to the police that Idumange, made seditious publications that maligned...
By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet As part of an intensified campaign against the spread of falsehoods that continue to undermine the integrity of the government and pose a threat to national security, PCO...