Trial of Amosu, other ex-service chiefs resumes December 5

Court

The absence of Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court, Lagos on Tuesday forced the adjournment until Dec. 5, 6 and 7 the trial of a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Adesola Amosu and 10 others charged with N22.8 billion fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on June 29, 2016 arraigned Amosu alongside Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga and eight companies.

The companies are Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon HealthCare.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case which was earlier scheduled for continuation of trial on Tuesday, was again adjourned to the new dates following the absence of Justice Mohammed Idris.

No reason was given for his absence.

The accused are standing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing and money laundering.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.

The accused were alleged to have indirectly converted N3.6 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air Force to their own.

In addition, Amosu and others were alleged to have stolen over N323 million from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force between March 21, 2014 and March 12, 2015 and that the money was utilised for the purpose of purchasing for themselves a property situated at No.1, River Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

The offences according to the EFCC, contravene Sections 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.