A heated dispute erupted in an Abuja courtroom on Tuesday between former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a witness brought in to testify in the ongoing N1.35 billion money laundering trial. The confrontation unfolded before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court.
Lamido is standing trial alongside his sons, Aminu and Mustapha, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies, on allegations of financial impropriety. When proceedings resumed, the defense team requested additional time to confer with an EFCC investigator who had been summoned via subpoena.
EFCC lawyer Chile Okoroma objected, asserting that all documents the defense sought had already been provided to the court. Instead of adjourning the case, Justice Ojukwu paused the hearing for an hour to allow the defense to meet with the witness.
Upon resumption, the witness informed the court that he was not involved in the original investigation and had only been tasked with locating documents listed in the subpoena. Defense counsel Joe Agi then argued that the witness lacked direct knowledge of the case and could not offer relevant evidence, urging the EFCC to present a more appropriate witness.
The prosecution countered, stating that the EFCC functions as a corporate entity and any qualified staff member can represent it. Okoroma reiterated that the defense had already received all requested documents. Justice Ojukwu suggested that if the defense wanted testimony from a specific witness who had previously appeared, they should formally apply for that witness to be recalled. She noted that subpoenas are typically used when a witness refuses to come voluntarily.
The court admitted the subpoenaed documents into evidence and adjourned the case until June 4 for further proceedings.