A former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday, failed to appear before Justice Folashade Giwa of the Federal High Court Abuja, to explain his role in the alleged approval of N2.5billion to Pinnacle Communications Ltd. The money was for the purpose of the Federal Government Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.

The sitting was in continuation of the trial of the Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Ishaq Modibbo, Pinnacle Communications Ltd and two others. Mohammed was listed by the ICPC prosecution counsel, Henry Emore, as additional witness to give testimony on the approval of payment of N2.5 billion to Pinnacle.

However, after calling two witnesses, the prosecution counsel informed the court that the immediate past Information Minister was not in court. Umore said the former minister had travelled out of the country but was expected back in the country on or before July 31. In addition, the court was told that Mohammed made his statement before the ICPC. The prosecution counsel also informed the court that the other witness he wished to call, was still in Saudi Arabia. However, Alex Izinyon, SAN, counsel to Onifade Oladipupo, (2nd defendant), and Lucky Omoluwa (3rd defendant), told the court that he had already filed an application to oppose the list of additional witness filed by the prosecution counsel. Izinyon said the defence team had already joined issues with the prosecution on the failure of ICPC to call Mohammed who approved the payment of N2.5billion to Pinnacle and joined him as a defendant in the case. A witness called by the ICPC alleged that the former minister refused to make statement to the ICPC, claiming that he needed to get clearance from the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

Earlier, upon cross-examination by Izinyon, a prosecution witness Olugbemi Abraham, told the court that “during investigation, we could not interview Mohammed because he said he needed clearance from the Secretary to Government of the Federation.” Abraham, however, revealed that they later took statement from Mohammed during the pendency of the case. He admitted that: “Really, we did not bother to get in touch with the SGF to enable him allow the former Information Minister to make statement.”

Abraham also admitted that NBC, based on the provision of the White Paper that government should provide condition for a level playing field for signal distributors, was in position to determine the level playing field. “Under further cross examination by Amah Etuwewe, counsel to the fourth defendant (Pinnacle Communications), the witness said upon investigation, they did not value the facility put in place by Pinnacle at the Abuja DSO site.

“Further more, the witness admitted that the N2.5 billion was released under the supervision of the former Information Minister. “To the best of my knowledge, the Presidency that released the N10billion to the NBC for the purpose of DSO has not complained of how the fund was used. “I am not aware if the former Minister had withdrawn his approval.” Meanwhile, Justice Giwa, has adjourned the case until July 1, for ruling on a motion by the 2nd and 3rd defendants seeking the release of their international passports to enable them travel abroad for official functions. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/n2-5bn-dso-project-lai-mohammed-fails-to-appear-in-court.html

BuhariApC crooks.

God go expose them all

Useless Lai

See his first shot ...to grab N2.5bln

Shebi a clear conscience is supposed to fear no accusations...We know nothing will come out of d case becos sooner than later it will b swept under their carpet.. He is covered by d blood of APC, by d broom he is saved

Lai the thief hurriedly travelled to avoid testifying.
The ICPC boss should watch his back because they are coming for him.

This case is very confusing. If there are proper approval and money is released then there is no fraud. What should be the focus are deliverables. That's should be monitoring which is in the purview of NBC. Except if kickback given to the minister can be proven beyond reasonable doubt that's is when he have an issue.

OK

Let us wait and see saint APC cathedral

Normal paroles in Nigeria.

Nbote:
Shebi a clear conscience is supposed to fear no accusations...We know nothing will come out of d case becos sooner than later it will b swept under their carpet.. He is covered by d blood of APC, by d broom he is saved

You know the drill Oga.
Join the Alliance of Past (& Present) Crooks, APC remain loyal and your sins are forgiven while you remain protected from EFCC and MaguN.
Na the magic be that.


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Why call him ex minister? Who is able to step into his shoes? Who can lie like Lai? As long as APC is in power, this man will always be among the top. He's highly gifted, skillful and competent in doing what he does best. Naturally gifted like Messi.

CodeTemplar:
Normal paroles in Nigeria.

Nigeria changed in 2015, don't you remember
Was that a joke? Did they fool us? Were we scammed? Was it a 419 plot?


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TooMuchStuff:
BuhariApC crooks.

God go expose them all

Instead of you to work with others to expose all the rogues, thieves and corrupt people you know, you are only waiting for God. Is that how the Europeans who brought Christianity from the Middle East do it in their developed countries


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A well known liar

[



Abraham, however, revealed that they later took statement from Mohammed during the pendency of the case. He admitted that: “Really, we did not bother to get in touch with the SGF to enable him allow the former Information Minister to make statement.”

Does it mean Uncle Lai was coerced to give out the information? If yes i hope it's through serial beating maybe his head can reset.. Nonsense and APC

Buhari is personally supervising the looting. Where then is the so called Integrity?

That our incoming minister for information; he is a SAINT.

Bhet y e dey fear to go court na......i tot amaethief once talk say everybody for apc na saint??

They all dodged a bullet. If Lai had appeared he woulda bombarded them with mighty doses of lies that woulda made them dizzy for months!

When he was born the Diviners saw his destiny clearly and named him Appropriately

Above The Law. Lie Must Be Prosecuted.

Ok oo

This nigeria. The matter will soon go under the carpet. This one is called initial gra gra..




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.

Mr Lai will lie his way through

Anonimi morning brother man.Missed your unique contributions back here sir.Welcome back.

Imagine,
a former member of the cabinet claiming to be fighting against corruption still delaying the process of Justice. Nonsense

He is thinking of d lie he will lie in court before he shows up.

tunwumi:
This case is very confusing. If there are proper approval and money is released then there is no fraud. What should be the focus are deliverables. That's should be monitoring which is in the purview of NBC. Except if kickback given to the minister can be proven beyond reasonable doubt that's is when he have an issue.

There's already an issue.

Besides apc is known for theft

Everyone is aware that Mr. Lai is incapable of telling any truth

zakim:
A former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday, failed to appear before Justice Folashade Giwa of the Federal High Court Abuja, to explain his role in the alleged approval of N2.5billion to Pinnacle Communications Ltd. The money was for the purpose of the Federal Government Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.

Mohammed was listed by the ICPC prosecution counsel, Henry Emore, as additional witness to give testimony on the approval of payment of N2.5 billion to Pinnacle.

...Mohammed who approved the payment of N2.5billion to Pinnacle and joined him as a defendant in the case....

“Further more, the witness admitted that the N2.5 billion was released under the supervision of the former Information Minister. “To the best of my knowledge, the Presidency that released the N10billion to the NBC for the purpose of DSO has not complained of how the fund was used. “I am not aware if the former Minister had withdrawn his approval.” Meanwhile, Justice Giwa, has adjourned the case until July 1, for ruling on a motion by the 2nd and 3rd defendants seeking the release of their international passports to enable them travel abroad for official functions. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/n2-5bn-dso-project-lai-mohammed-fails-to-appear-in-court.html

Judicial matters in Nigeria is like playing the end game..never coming to conclusion. Especially in cases that concerns people of high status in the society. The news will first hit the front pages and make headlines on all medias. Go check it later...you will read matter is adjourned or not at all.

Na sit don read, mi dey sha...just dey watch from the bench patiently until when real justice is served to offenders or people that abuses our system.

Meanwhile, Lia Mohammed should do what he knows how to do best - Lies and more lies, his way out.

Shikina!