A Federal High Court in Minna, Niger State has revoked the bail granted a former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, and a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Umar Nasko.
Justice A. B. Aliyu revoked the bail Thursday after the duo failed to appear in court, acting spokesperson of Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC), Tony Orilade, said in a statement.
Aliyu and Nasko are standing trial over alleged involvement in N2 billion money laundering and other financial crimes.
The accused persons had earlier pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Justice Bogoro Yelin.
After Justice Yelin’s transfer to another jurisdiction and his involvement in election petitions tribunal, the matter was reassigned to Justice Aliyu who decided to treat it de novo (afresh).
Despite hearing notices issued to the parties over the duo’s fresh arraignment, when the matter was called Thursday, neither the defendants nor their counsels were in court.
Lawyer to one of the accused persons, Osuman Mamma, was said to have written to the court that he was before an election petitions tribunal.
But Mr Mamma reportedly refused to send a lawyer to represent him.
The development prompted the judge to revoke the bail and order the warrant of arrest.
The case was adjourned till May 27.
