A former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Bello Halilu Mohammed has suffered paralysis and can no longer walk.
His counsel, Mr Duncan David Oluohu, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, where he is standing trial over alleged N300m fraud case brought against him, his late son, Bello Abba Mohammed and a firm, Bam Projects and Property Ltd by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had in January 2016 arraigned the three for allegedly receiving N300million from the Office of the National Security Adviser former (ONSA), under retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, for PDP’s 2015 campaigns.
During the hearing of the case yesterday, Akeem Bakare, who announced appearance for the second defendant (Bam Projects and Property Ltd) told the court that although the case was scheduled for continuation of trial the first defendant has died.
Bakare said Abba’s death, which occurred on January 6 has further led to deterioration in the deceased’s father’s health condition.
Oluohu then added that the third defendant (the deceased’s father) has suffered a stroke as a result of what happened.
“He is currently paralysed and can’t walk. That is why he is not in court today,” Oluohu said.
Lawyer to the prosecution, Oluwaleke Atolagbe confirmed the development in relation to the first defendant.
Atolagbe added that the defence availed him with a photocopy of the first defendant’s death certificate shortly before the commencement of the court’s proceedings.
He condoled with the deceased’s family and his lawyers and prayed the court strike out Abba’s name from the charge and to adjourn to a later date for the continuation of trial in relation to the remaining defendants.
Vynda Onochie (who represented Abba), Bakare and Oluohu did not object to Atolagbe’s applications, following which the judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed adjourned till March 28.
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