Accused claims to be deaf during N1bn subsidy scam Hearing

A drama enacted by one of the accused in the alleged N1 billion fuel subsidy scam led to the stalling of the planned arraignment of four new accused in the on-going multiple trial being conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the controversial issue.

The commission had charged the quartet of Alhaji Saminu Rabiu, Jubril Rowaye, Alminuur Resources Limited and Brila Energy Limited for alleged fraudulent claim of N1,051,030,434,63 as payment for the purported importation of 10,000 metric tonnes of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

After being docked on Tuesday before an Abuja High Court, Gudu, counsel for Rabiu who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alminuur, Blessing Omoaghe, told the trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, that his client had medical challenge in his hearing ability which required information being shouted into his ear-drum.

At this point, the trial judge had to stop the accused from taking their plea, though she granted the leave sought by the prosecution to prefer the criminal charge against the accused.

She subsequently fixed 17 October, 2012 for the reading of the charge and taking of the accused plea. Source