Sule Lamido's N1.3bn Fraud Arraignment Again Aborted

Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa State, had his arraignment on allegations of N1.3 billion fraud aborted once again at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Lamido and his sons, Aminu and Mustapha, with committing fraud through fictitious contract awards during his tenure from 2007 to 2015.

The latest arraignment was scheduled for April 1 but did not proceed due to the absence of the defense. This follows a similar situation on March 13, where the arraignment was also aborted.

The EFCC's counsel objected to the fresh arraignment, citing a violation of a Supreme Court order. Justice Peter Lifu has set April 30 for further proceedings, pending the Chief Judge's reaction to the EFCC's request.

The case involves 27 counts of money laundering, with the EFCC alleging that Lamido abused his office to siphon state funds. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the case to return to the Federal High Court for trial.