N625m bribe: Lawan, Emenalo’s trial begins March 12

An FCT High Court on Wednesday fixed March 12, 2014 for the trial of Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo over alleged 620,000 dollars bribe (about N625 million). 

Lawan is standing trial alongside his Vice Chairman, Emenalo, on a seven-count charge of allegedly obtaining N625 million bribe from Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.

 The two counsel agreed on the date following the absence of Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, who was not in court, because he was at the Nigeria Law School, Bwari, where he represented the Chief Judge of the FCT at the 50th anniversary of the school. 

Counsel to Emenalo, Mr Mike Ozeakhome (SAN) and prosecutor Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), both agreed on the date. It will be recalled that at the last sitting, Justice Oniyangi refused to grant Lawan’s application for stay of proceedings.

 Oniyangi also refused to grant the application by Lawan to adjourn the case indefinitely pending the determination of an appeal before the Appeal Court in Abuja.