The trial of Bode George and five others who were members of the board of directors of the Nigeria Ports Authority from 2001-2003, has been postponed to Thursday, May 28 for the hearing of the last prosecution witness’s testimony.
The proceeding at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja was postponed because the witness was not in court.
Fred Ekpede, the prosecution counsel apologised to the court for not being able to bring the witness to court and prayed that proceedings be postponed till Thursday.
He said that the witness, who works with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, “was not given clearance by his boss.”
Olatunji Ayanlaja, counsel to Mr. George, however, prayed the court to adjourn proceedings to Wednesday after submitting that he would assist in getting the witness to court at the next sitting to ensure speedy trial.
The trial was adjourned till May 28 by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole.
Justice Oyewole noted that continuation of the trial is not only dependent on the presence of the witness but also on the availability of power supply, so that Monday’s court proceedings can be transcribed before Thursday.
History
The six defendants; Olabode George, Aminu Dabo, O. Abidoye, Abdullahi Aminu Tafida, Zanna Maidaribe, and Sule Aliyu; who were members of the board of directors of Nigeria Ports Authority, from 2001 to 2003 are in court on a 68-count-charge of splitting and inflating contracts at the authority in 2003.
They are also being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for not following the rules and regulations guiding the award of contracts, by exceeding the approval limit allowed for members of the board.
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