The absence of Abdullahi Alao, son of late industrialist, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Arisekola Alao, stalled trial in the N3.1 billion subsidy scam allegation levied against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Wednesday lamented the delay caused by the absence of Alao’s counsel, Mr. Aderemi Oguntoyinbo.
According to a statement signed by EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, Alao and his co-accused – Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex, their companies; Eterna Plc; AxEnergy and Star Inspection Services Nigeria Limited – are standing trial for a 38-count charge of conspiracy, and obtaining N3,121,393,098 unearned subsidy fund by false pretence.
Trial judge expressed displeasure at Oguntoye’s absence, and ordered that the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, (SAN), should write a letter to him (Oguntoye) and present it in court for the record.
