Judge’s absence stalls Babalakin’s N4.7bn subsidy trial
The N4.7 billion allegation of fraudulent collection of on fuel subsidy levelled against Wale Babalakin, chairman of Bi-Courtney Ltd by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been adjourned to May 12, 2014.
The case was adjourned based on the absence of Lawal-Akapo, the judge, in court.
The judge was said to be attending a workshop organised by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had earlier fixed Wednesday, April 30, for hearing of the application, but could not sit due to judge’s absence.
EFCC charged Babalakin for allegedly transferring money on behalf of James Ibori, former governor of Delta State, who has been convicted for corruption in the United kingdom.
Babalakin is standing trial alongside Alex Okoh and their companies — Stabilini Visioni Ltd., Bi-Courtney Ltd. and Renix Nigeria Ltd.
They are facing a 27-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action, and retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct.
His co-defendants had also filed similar applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the charge.
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