The powerful former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, and two of his sons are to remain in prison until at least September 28 for allegations of mismanagement of over N1.3 billion in State funds. The three men are standing trial at the Federal High Court in Kano for a 28-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former governor is alleged to have awarded contracts valued at N1.3 billion to some companies owned by his children. The EFCC also seeks to charge him and his sons with money-laundering and abuse of office.
Lamido’s eldest son, Aminu, was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for under-declaration and was subsequently convicted for a similar offense (money laundering).
The presiding judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadime, adjourned the case to September 28, when hearing on the substantive suit will begin.
The accused were taken to the Kano prison in a Toyota bus belonging to the Nigeria Prison Service, guarded by tight security.
Outside the court premises, hundreds of protesting youths chanted songs in solidarity with the former governor. Some of them carried placards with inscriptions in his support.
One of the placards read, "It's political motivated. We stand with you. God will see you through."
The court appearance also attracted top members of the Peoples Democratic Party from Kano and Jigawa.
No comments:
Post a Comment