The Federal Government, arraigned former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe , before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja.Orubebe pleaded not guilty to the four-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the government.
He was, meanwhile allowed to go home, as the tribunal chairman noted that there was no reason to deny the former minister bail.
Meanwhile, shortly after he took his plea, Orubebe, through his lawyer, Mr. Larry Selekeowei, SAN, told the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal that he was ready for trial, even as he dared the government to go ahead and open its case against him.
Orubebe docked At that point, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Musa Usman, told the tribunal that his witnesses were not available.
He urged the tribunal to adjourn the matter for two weeks to enable him to assemble them.
His application infuriated Orubebe’s lawyer, who insisted that the charge was only aimed at tarnishing the hard earned reputation of his client.
Accusing the Federal Government of not being serious with the case,
Cutting his submission short, Justice Danladi asked, If He Selekeowei was giving A citation of the accused,Selekeowei answered in the negative, saying He was only praying that His client should be granted bail on self recognition.
Meanwhile, before adjourning the matter till November 26 for definite hearing, Justice Danladi, slammed the Federal Government for not producing any of its witnesses before the trial.
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