Alleged N1.35bn Fraud: Lamido, Sons’ Trial Stalled Again

The trial of a former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido and his two sons, Aminu Lamido and Mustapha Lamido at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu was again stalled on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 due to the absence of the lead defence counsel, Joe Agi, SAN.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the defendants on 37-count charge, bordering on alleged money laundering, kick-backs and fictitious contract awards to the tune of N1.35 billion, allegedly committed while Sule Lamido, the first defendant was Jigawa State governor from 2007-2015.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, though the matter which was slated for continuation of trial, defence counsel, O. F Ekegba informed the court that he has deposed to an affidavit of facts before the court that the lead counsel traveled to Germany to have a meeting with the witness.

“ My lord, the lead counsel have traveled to Germany to have a meeting with the witness and has taken along the documents with him. We undertake to close our case within three days if granted a date in September” he said

Responding, prosecution counsel, Chile Okoroma, SAN stated that “My lord, we have been served with the affidavit of facts this morning in court. Ordinarily, I would have loved to respond but my learned brother Ekegba have assured me that they will conclude their case within two to three days in September. He also explained to me that the file of the case is with the lead counsel. My lord based on the undertaking before this court. I will concede the adjournment” he said.

Justice Ojukwu, having listened to both parties, adjourned the matter till a later date in September 2026 that will be communicated to the parties for continuation of trial.