TheCable

A high court in the federal capital territory (FCT) has rejected documents the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tendered against Babachir Lawal.

The ex-SGF is standing trial for alleged fraud.

Lawal was arraigned alongside Hamidu Lawal, his younger brother, and Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd, two companies he owns.

President Muhammadu Buhari sacked him in October 2017 – months after he was indicted by an ad hoc committee of the senate.

The sacked SGF was accused of awarding a multi-million naira contract to the companies for the removal of invasive plant species in Yobe state.

At the court on Monday, Jude Okeke, the judge, said a document could only be admissible, if it meets the requirements of the evidence act.

Okeke noted that the documents bore different dates.

“It is the duty of the court to examine them to know whether they are admissible,” the judge said.

“I have examined the bundle of the documents and it consisted of original documents with attachments of uncertified ones, a total of 17 documents.

“The documents are bearing different dates. Besides this, it’s also numbered as different exhibits.”

Okeke adjourned the case till June 18.