The trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was on Thursday stalled in a FCT High Court, Maitama on account of illegible prosecution witness document.
Aminu Ahmed, the fourth prosecution witness, had introduced himself as Principal Procurement officer in the office of the SGF.
Ahmed told the court that he was a member of the evaluation committee that recommended the contract to the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Ahmed, however, became stuck when asked by Ufom Uket, the prosecuting counsel, to read a document, which was BPP’s response statement to the recommendations of the evaluation committee.
The witness explained that the document was illegible, adding that he could not read it.
In the circumstance, Uket prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them bring clearer copy of the report.
Justice Jude Okeke, therefore, adjourned the matter until February 19 for continuation of trial since there was no objection raised.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Lawal is standing trial in alleged fraudulent award of N544.1 million for grass cutting contract through the Presidential Initiative for North East.
The ex-SGF’s brother, David Lawal, a Director of Rholavision Engineering Limited, is also standing trial.
Others are Sulaiman Abubakar, Managing-Director of Josmon Technologies Limited, and Apeh Monday.
NAN recalls that the defendants are charged with 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy and fraud.
The EFCC said the alleged offences were contrary to Section 12 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
However, the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against them.
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