Lamido's N1.3bn Fraud Case Arraignment Stalled Again

The arraignment of Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State, and his son Aminu Mustapha in an alleged N1.3 billion fraud case was stalled. They face trial for fraud involving fictitious contracts, with charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The arraignment was scheduled for April 1 but did not proceed due to procedural issues, despite the presence of the court. The case stems from allegations of money laundering and abuse of office during Lamido's tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015.

Previous arraignment attempts were hindered by late service of trial notices. In November 2022, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu dismissed a no-case submission by the defense, which was subsequently appealed.

The Court of Appeal upheld the ruling in July 2023, leading the EFCC to approach the Supreme Court, which set aside the appellate court's judgment and ordered the case to return to the Federal High Court for trial. The matter has been adjourned to April 30, pending a response from the Chief Judge regarding the EFCC's request.