Alleged N2.9bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Trial Of NDDC MD Ex-Aide, Others Till June 19

Nnamdi Chukwu 

JUSTICE A. T. Mohammed of a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, 19 May 2023, adjourned till 19 June 2023 for the adoption of final written addresses in the ongoing trial of George Turnah Alabh, former Special Adviser to Dan Abia, erstwhile Managing Director of Niger Delta Commission (NDDC), Ebis Orubebe, Uzorgor Silas Chidiebere and nine companies.

The defendants are facing trial on an amended twenty-three count charge bordering on obtaining money by pretence, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2, 894, 500, 000.00) only. 

The companies also standing trial include El- Godams Global Services Ltd., Turnoil and Gas Nigeria Ltd., Kolo Creek Petroleum Development Ltd., Celtic Pride Consult and Events Ltd., Yenagoa Mall Ltd., the Incorporated Trustees of Concerned Niger Delta Youth Initiative., Akara Boro Marine Services Ltd., Sugarland Integrated Farms Nigeria Ltd and Geohan Telecommunications Nigeria Ltd.

At a resumed hearing on 19  May, prosecution counsel, Ifeanyi Agwu, informed the court that the matter was slated for adoption of final written addresses.

Counsel to 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, R.E. Wanogho and counsel to 4th -12th defendants, A.G.O Agorondin also informed the court that they are equally ready to go on with the matter.

However, Agorondin notified the court of the pendency of his preliminary objection which was filed on 20th April and urged the court that it should be taken, particularly as parties have responded.

Justice Mohammed held that in view of the pending ruling and the age of the case, parties should go through their files to be sure there are no pending applications before the next adjourned date when the final written addresses will be taken.

He, therefore, adjourned the matter till 19 June 2023 for the adoption of the final written address.

Eighteen-Eleven Media