Defence Counsel’s Absence Stalled Ex-Gov Lamido, Son’s N1.34bn Fraud Trial
The trial of the former Jigawa State governor and his two sons, Aminu Lamido and Mustapha Lamido at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu was stalled on Monday, July 20, 2026 due to the absence of the lead defence counsel, Joe Agi, SAN.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the defendants on 37-count charge, involving alleged money laundering, kick-backs and fictitious contract awards to the tune of N1.35 billion, allegedly committed while Sule Lamido, the first defendant was Jigawa State governor from 2007-2015.
At the start of the Monday proceedings, prosecution counsel, Chile Okoroma, SAN, informed the court of a letter from the lead defence counsel, informing him of his absence in court owing to some medical issues involving a surgery and requested for an adjournment.
While wishing the defence counsel well, Okoroma submitted that Agi ought to have delegated another counsel in his team to appear for him so that the trial can continue, especially as the matter has lingered in court since 2015.
Besides, the EFCC counsel pointed to the fact that the presiding judge flew in from her Calabar, Cross river State jurisdiction to preside over the matter at the Federal High Court, Abuja. He consequently prayed the court for just one day’s adjournment.
Justice Ojukwu ruled in favour of the prosecution and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, July 21, 2026 for continuation of trial.
