Prosecution witness absence stalls ex-IGP Ehindero’s trial

The trial of former InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Sunday Ehindero has been stalled following the absence of the prosecution witness.

Ehindero was arraigned on a 10-count charge by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) along with a former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget at the Force Headquarters, John Obaniyi, over an alleged N16.4 million fraud before an FCT High Court in Apo.

They were alleged to have conspired and used their positions to pay N500 million in two fixed deposit accounts with Wema Bank and Intercontinental Bank from the N557.9 million donated by the Bayelsa Government to the Nigeria Police for purchase of arms and ammunition.

The N500 million placed in fixed deposits, the anti-corruption commission, alleged yielded an interest of N16.4million which was allegedly diverted by the defendants. This was said to have contravened the provisions of sections 26(1) and 22(5) of the ICPC Act, 2000.

They however pleaded not guilty. At the resumed hearing on Monday, prosecution counsel, Golden Iwuagwu informed the court that his witness was ill and could not make it to court. He therefore asked for an adjournment.

Without objection from the defence counsels, the trial judge, Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned the case to March 21 for continuation of hearing.