Trial of Chima Igwe, a former Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos State, charged with certificate fraud, was stalled on Tuesday due to the absence of his counsel.
The former D-G is charged with certificate fraud before Justice Sherifat Solebo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission is prosecuting Igwe on a three-count charge.
The counts border on giving a document with false information, using his office to get an unfair advantage and making a false statement to a public officer.
On Tuesday, a member of the prosecution team, Kehinde Adetoye, informed the court that he received a letter, via WhatsApp, from the defence counsel, C.U. Nwonu, to seek adjournment of the case.
Adeboye said: “We received a letter from defence counsel dated June 10, seeking adjournment of the matter.
“According to the letter, the lead defence counsel is to appear before a higher court in Abuja.
“He will be back in Lagos tomorrow.”
Adetoye prayed the court to give a new date for continuation of the trial.
The court consequently adjourned the case until September 12, 2022 for continuation of trial.
NAN reports the court had on February 23 summoned an Administrative Officer at FIIRO, Abidemi Abati, to testify in the trial.
Igwe’s alleged offences contravene Sections 17(1)(c), 19 and 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.