Law News
N1bn fraud: Judge’s absence stalls Yerima’s trial

The trial of former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Yerima suffered a setback on Monday due to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Bello Shinkafi.

Yerima was arraigned before a Zamfara State High Court in Gusau on January 14, 2016 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission on 19 counts of fraud.

According to the charge, the former governor allegedly diverted N1bn meant for projects in the state and another N684m alongside other accomplices.

The accomplices are Alhaji Hashim Dikko, Development Management Limited and HAD Nigeria Limited.

The offences were alleged to have been committed while Yerima was in power between 1999 and 2007.

The case was then adjourned until February 29 after the accused was granted bail in the sum of N100m.

No official reason was given for the judge’s absence but there was speculation that he was ill.

The former governor was, however, present as he was brought to the court in a convoy of police and civil defence officers.

The case has been adjourned until April 26, 2016.

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