A former general manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Aminu Babakusa has tested positive for COVID-19, his counsel Obinna Mbata told a court on Tuesday.
Mr Mbata informed an FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja that his client Mr Babakusa was absent in court because he tested positive for COVID-19.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Babakusa alongside a former national security adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) Acacia Firms, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited with a 32-count charge bordering on misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, dishonest release and receiving various sums of money.
Mbata, however, prayed for an adjournment, subject to the convenience of the court.
Replying, EFCC counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe who held the brief for Rotimi Jacobs confirmed to the court the prosecution was earlier informed that Babakusa was absent in court due to ill health.
Mr Atolagbe said the prosecution was ready to proceed with the case because the EFCC witness was in court to testify against the defendants.
He, however, informed the court that parties had agreed to come back for continuation of hearing on April 13 and April 14, subject to the convenience of the court.
All counsels to the other defendants confirmed that they had been informed earlier and agreed to the dates picked.
Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf subsequently adjourned the case until April 13 and April 14 for continuation of hearing.
