Sule Lamido, Sons’ Trial Adjourned Over Absence of Lead Defence Counsel

Sule Lamido, Sons’ Trial Adjourned Over Absence of Lead Defence Counsel

The trial of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, alongside his two sons, Aminu Lamido and Mustapha Lamido, at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, was on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, adjourned due to the absence of the lead defence counsel, Joe Agi, SAN.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on a 37-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, kickbacks and fictitious contract awards involving about N1.35 billion. The alleged offences were said to have been committed during Sule Lamido’s tenure as Governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015.

The matter, which was scheduled for continuation of trial before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, could not proceed after the defence team informed the court that the lead counsel was unavailable.

Addressing the court, defence counsel O. F. Ekegba explained that Joe Agi, SAN, had travelled to Germany to meet with a witness connected to the case and had taken relevant case documents along with him.

“My Lord, the lead counsel travelled 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,” Ekegba told the court.

Responding, the prosecution counsel, Chile Okoroma, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had received the defence affidavit of facts and was willing to accept the adjournment based on the undertaking given by the defence team.

“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 has assured me that they will conclude their case within two to three days in September. He also explained that the case file is with the lead counsel. Based on the undertaking before this court, I will concede the adjournment,” Okoroma said.

After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Ojukwu adjourned the matter to a date in September 2026, which will be communicated to the parties, for continuation of trial.

The EFCC’s case against the former governor and his co-defendants remains ongoing before the court.

Sule Lamido, Sons’ Trial Adjourned Over Absence of Lead Defence Counsel