CCT orders prosecution to produce witnesses for definite hearing

CCT orders prosecution to produce witnesses for definite hearing (Olu Famous)

The Code of Conduct Tribunal, on Monday in Abuja ordered Federal Government counsel Musa Usman, to produce his witnesses for definite trial of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godsday Orubebe.

Justice Danladi Umar gave the order after a four-count criminal charge bordering on failure to declare assets and bribery were levelled against the former minister.

Umar expressed disappointment for the inability of the prosecution to present witnesses as he had the amply opportunity to do so.

He ordered that the prosecution must present all witnesses at the next adjourned date.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel had told the tribunal that his witnesses who were supposed to testify against Orubebe were not around to give evidence.

He requested for a short adjournment to enable him produce the witnesses.

In his submission, counsel to Orubebe, Mr Selekeowei Larry (SAN), told the tribunal that they were surprised to hear that the prosecution was not readies, after all the `noise.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the former minister was being prosecuted for “failing to declare a property at Plot 2059 Asokoro District, Abuja.

He was also accused of asking for and accepting a bribe of N50 million from one Pastor Jonathan Alota, on or about Sept. 19, 2012 for contract awarded in favour of his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Ltd.

Orubebe was further accused of receiving another N20 million from Alota as bribe for the N1.7 billion contract for the construction of a skills acquisition centre in Edo.

Justice Umar adjourned the case till Nov. 26 for definite hearing