Orubebe the former minister appeared at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja on Monday, November 9 to face a four count charge on money laundering.
In a twist of expectation, the prosecutor Musa Usman, told the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal that his witnesses were not available and that the matter be adjourned for two weeks to enable him assemble them.
Vanguard reports that Orubebe’s lawyer, Mr. Larry Selekeowei, SAN insisted that his client was ready for trial and that the charges were attempts to soil his reputation. He accused the federal government of not being serious with the case.
“My lords, we are really surprised that they are not ready to proceed today (yesterday) despite all the noise they have made for the past 10 days.
“On our part, we are ready for this trial. Though we cannot force them to open their case, but looking at the rules of this tribunal, Rule 5(1) is a part they can fulfil today (yesterday). It clearly mandates them to disclose the evidence they have against the accused person.
“They can at least clear that part before we get to the issue of whether they have witnesses or not. If the witnesses are not here, he should state the evidence. This kind of case should not be for mere jamboree.”
Justice Danladi berated the federal government for not producing its witnesses before adjourning the case till Thursday, November 26.
A week ago, Orubebe, raised the alarm that he was being oppressed for his support to former president Goodluck Jonathan.
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