Orubebe arraigned before CCT for failure to declare asset, receiving bribe

The Code of Conduct Tribunal on Monday in Abuja ordered the counsel of the Federal Government, Musa Usman, to produce his witnesses for the definite trial of a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe.
Justice Danladi Umar gave the order after a four-count criminal charge bordering on failure to declare assets and bribery were levelled against the former minister.
Umar expressed disappointment over the inability of the prosecution to present witnesses as he had the ample opportunity to do so.
He ordered that the prosecution must present all witnesses at the next adjourned date.
Earlier, Usman had told the tribunal that his witnesses, who were to testify against Orubebe, were not around to give evidence.
He requested for a short adjournment to enable him produce the witnesses.
In his submission, counsel to Orubebe, Selekeowei Larry (SAN), told the tribunal that they were surprised to hear that the prosecution was not ready after all the :noise”.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Orubebe is standing trial for failing to declare a property at Plot 2059 Asokoro District, Abuja.
He was also accused of asking for and accepting a bribe of N50 million from one Pastor Jonathan Alota on or about September 19, 2012 for contract awarded in favour of his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited.
Orubebe was further accused of receiving another N20 million from Alota as bribe for the N1.7 billion contract for the construction of a skills acquisition centre in Edo State.
Justice Umar adjourned the case till November 26 for definite hearing.
NAN.