This Day (Lagos)

Nigeria: Subsidy Scam - Court to Start Trial of Ahmadu Ali's Son, Others Nov 12

Photo: Vanguard
Cartoonist depicts corruption in Nigerian petroleum sector

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court has fixed November 12, 2012 for the commencement of trial of Nasir Ali, son of the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Ali.

Others whose trial would commence same day are: Christian Taylor and their firm, Nasaman Oil Services.

The accused are being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and forgery.

When the matter came up Tuesday, counsel to the EFCC, Francis Usani, informed the court that the trial will not commence as earlier scheduled because of what he termed as some pressing issues which would assist the court in the true dispensation of justice.

He said the prosecution intends to join one Seun Ogunbambo as defendant in the matter.

"This is because as at the time the charge was filed, information relating to Ogunbambo had not reached the EFCC."

In response, defence counsel, Toyin Pinheiro (SAN), who did not object to the submission of the EFCC said, "We would wait for the amendment of the charge to be effected.

"Though I know the defendants have no case to answer."

Ali as well as other directors of some oil-marketing firms in the matter had earlier been arraigned and granted bail.

Having granted them bail, the judge adjourned the case till October 30 for commencement of trial.

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