Judge's absence stalls Sylva's N19.2bn fraud trial

An Abuja Federal High Court on Friday adjourned the case of a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, till July 3 following the absence of the trial judge.

At the resumed sitting on Friday, a court official informed counsel and parties that the judge was bereaved.

The matter was consequently adjourned to July 3, for continuation of hearing.

Sylva, Francis Okokuro, Gbenga Balogun, Samuel Ogbuku, Marlyn Maritime Ltd, Eat Catering Services Ltd., and Haloween Blue Construction and Logistics Ltd., were standing trial over an alleged N19.2 billion fraud.

They were being tried before Justice Ahmed Mohammed on 42 counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy and stealing of money belonging to the Bayelsa government when Sylva was governor. NAN