NewStats: 3,261,971 , 8,175,722 topics. Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025 at 10:44 AM 1j4671

Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on an investigation into fuel subsidy regime in 2012, Hon. Farouk Lawan, yesterday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja that his first defence witness’ brother in his ongoing bribery case was killed by Lassa fever in Kano, on Sunday.

Lawan disclosed this as the reason for his inability to open his defence in the bribery case instituted against him since 2012.

The former legislator, who was present in court yesterday, is being prosecuted for allegedly accepting $500,000 as bribe for the removal of billionaire businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola’s company’s name, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, from the list of firms indicted by the House committee for alleged fraud in the subsidy scheme.

Justice Angela Otaluka, had in her ruling delivered on October 17, 2019, dismissed the no-case submission, which Lawan filed after the prosecution closed its case with five witnesses, including Otedola.

The judge had ruled that contrary to Lawan’s contention in his no-case submission, the prosecution made out a prima facie case against him, which he had to defend.

The court directed him to open his defence on November 11, 2019.

Due to unconfirmed reasons, the trial was further adjourned till Tuesday (yesterday).

But at the resumed trial yesterday, Mr. Benson Igbanoi, who stood in for Lawan’s lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said despite being ready for the trial, they were unable to proceed to open the defendant’s case because his “sole witness” who was meant to testify at the hearing could not attend proceedings because he was bereaved.

Igbanoi said they received the news of the loss of the witness’ brother to Lassa fever on Sunday.
He said, “We are very much ready to open our defence today.

“However, late Sunday night, we received news that the sole witness of the defendant lost a brother to the dreaded Lassa fever that hit Kano city.

“My lord in the circumstance, regrettably, we are unable to go on to open our defence today.
“We are therefore constrained to plead with my noble lord to grant us a short adjournment because our sole witness is so devastated.”

He said his team had written a letter to the court and a copy of which was served on the prosecution stating the defence team’s “predicament” and suggesting an adjournment of the case till February 11.

The lead prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), confirmed that he received the letter dated January 27, 2020 (Monday) from Ozekhome’s law firm.

He said he had to “reluctantly concede to another adjournment” since the reason adduced for it involved the loss of a human being.

But urged the court to direct the defendant “to keep to February 11 so that he does not come that day and say he is asking for another adjournment of the case.”

The judge granted the defence’s request and adjourned the case till February 11.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/01/29/500000-bribery-lassa-fever-killed-my-witness-brother-farouk-lawan-tells-court/

Lol
Innocent Lassa fever don suffer for una hand.

This is ridiculous

That short man still dey alive??

Believe him at your own peril.

Next hearing defendant will come to court on wheelchair

See excuse

Damnnnnn niggarrr

Funny country

Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on an investigation into fuel subsidy regime in 2012, Hon. Farouk Lawan, yesterday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja that his first defence witness’ brother in his ongoing bribery case was killed by Lassa fever in Kano, on Sunday.

Gosh!

Can you just F#@$@% imagine!!



There was Truly a country!

Na dat LASSA Fever go injure all of una finish.
Thieves!

Lobatan!


Country where NSCDC top official doesn't know their own website.

Country where 36Million got stolen by a Snake.

Country where 70Million got stolen by a Monkey.

Country where a Sitting President while campaigning for his 2nd term said he came into power in2005 instead of 2015.

Country where a sitting President's common WAEC certification is in doubt.

Country where Yahaya Bello said Tinubu was only apologizing to Kogi people during campaign to pardon him (Bello) for performing too much in First term and not because he was owing salaries.

Country where a sitting President said he'll defeat 21st century Boko Haram with Civil War experience.

And now a country where a former public officer charged for fraud now comes out to say he hasn't been able to push on with the case because his witness brother died of Lassa fever. Lassa fever of all diseases, na Lassa fever kill him brother...

Nigeria is indeed a very big joke. Cartoon network...

Slawormir:
Damnnnnn niggarrr

Funny country

Really Damn Nigger mehn!
Can you just imagine!

Ok

Nigerians and lies.

Even after taking an oath, they will still lie.

---

Time for conviction is when politicians come up with flimsy escape tactics.

---

This country is a joke!!!

Lassa fever killed witness? Why Coronavirus no kill you?

Was Otedola really doing a shady scam fuel subsidy deal? If Farouq demanded cash like most corrupt politician there must definitely be a leverage he used in order to request for this cash.

But Nigeria Jaga Jaga

If Snakes and Monkeys can swallow money in Nigeria why can't lassa fever be named as a killer also of a witness.

Slawormir:
Damnnnnn niggarrr

Funny country

bros that US visa you have been hoping for, you will get it, so that u can niggar anyhow

Shut up

Lassa again. see what supreme crout cause nah

Mike Ozekhome (SAN) is gifted with the talent to defend criminals and looters.

He must be cashing in on them massively.

Shameless Man.

This country is a joke. It is after they steal they form sickness and lies.

ogun kill you there idiot

Obinna

They blamed animals for swallowing money.

Now, animal format don cast. They now resolve to blaming animal disease.

Thunder what are you waiting for?

Farouk, no amount of lies will save ur sinking ass! Get set to vomit ur yams or go behind d bar..

Nigerians, fear God!

This man is a criminal with no reasonable excuse

Lol

Eya o! Lassa fever killed your witness brother? May the $500k rest in perfect peace.

lol

Pathetic lies.
From an innocent snake to an innocent monkey and then gorilla taking up all the blame and now it's Lassa Fever lol