By Lizzy Chirkpi
The trial of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, over an alleged N1.35 billion fraud was on Monday adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja following the absence of the lead defence counsel, Joe Agi (SAN).
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu postponed proceedings until Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after the defence informed the court that Agi was unable to attend because he was undergoing a medical procedure.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Lamido and his sons on a 37-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, kickbacks and the award of fictitious contracts involving about N1.35 billion.
According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences were committed during Lamido’s tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015.
When the matter came up, EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma (SAN), told the court that the defence had formally notified the prosecution of Agi’s absence, explaining that the senior advocate was undergoing surgery and had requested an adjournment.
While wishing the defence counsel a speedy recovery, Okoroma argued that another member of Agi’s legal team could have represented the defendants to enable the trial to proceed.
“We wish learned silk a speedy recovery. However, another counsel in his team could have appeared because this matter has been pending since 2015,” he told the court.
The prosecutor also noted that Justice Ojukwu had travelled from her substantive judicial division in Calabar, Cross River State, to Abuja specifically to hear the case.
“My Lord travelled from Calabar to sit on this matter. In the circumstances, we urge the court to grant only a one-day adjournment,” Okoroma submitted.
In a brief ruling, Justice Ojukwu granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, July 21, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
The case, which has been before the court for more than a decade, centres on allegations that Lamido and his sons diverted public funds through money laundering, kickbacks and fictitious contract awards during his administration as governor of Jigawa State. The defendants have denied the allegations.