‎(Lukman Olabiyi)

The absence of Justice Sule Hassan of the Federal High court , Lagos, on Tuesday, stalled the arraignment of two former ministers and chieftains of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Femi Fani-Kayode and Senator Nenadi Usman.

Usman was former minister for finance and director of finance of the PDP presidential campaign in 2015, while Fani-Kayode was minister for Aviation and spokesperson for the campaign organisation.

Others charged alongside the duo before the court are Danjuman Yussuf, Olubode Oke and Join Trust Dimensions Nigeria Limited.

The were charged before the court by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC preferred a 17 count charge against the accused bordering on unlawful retention, use and payment of money in the tune of about N4.9 billion.

The case which was fixed for arraignment of the accused was on Tuesday, stalled following the absence of the trial judge, who is said to be attending an official function.

The accused were however, present in the court, but had to be taken back to the EFCC’s custody, following the judge’s absence.

A new adjourned date will be communicated to parties.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

Fani-Kayode was named in all 17 counts, Usman was named in only four of the charges.

In counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption.

In counts Eight to 14, the accused were alleged to have unlawfully used over N970 million which they reasonbly ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption.

Meanwhile, in counts 15 to17, Fani-Kayode together with one Olubode Oke, who is said to now be at large, were alleged to have made cash payments of about N30 million, in excess of the amount allowed by law, without going through a financial institution.

Besides, Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co (PPC) of No 125 Lewis St., Lagos, in excess of amounts allowed by law.juui

All offences were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money laundering (prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.