Expdonaloaded News; Alleged false assets’ declaration: Ex-minister Orubebe docked

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, was yesterday arraigned at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) by the Federal Government  over alleged N70 million bribe and non-declaration of assets. However, his trial has been fixed for November 26 after the prosecution counsel, Musa Usman, failed to bring in witnesses.
This was after the accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Irked by the development, the tribunal Chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar, lambasted Usman for his inability to bring in witnesses by yesterday.
The chairman said the very essence of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 is for quick dispensation of all criminal matters, without delay.
He warned Usman not to further delay proceedings, ordering him to come with all his witnesses on November 26.
Defense counsel, Selekeowei Larry (SAN) did not object to the adjournment, but told the tribunal that they are ready for the trial.
‎In the charge sheet that was signed by Peter Danladi  of Code of Conduct Bureau on October 18, 2015 on behalf of Attorney-General of the Federation,  Orubebe was alleged to have, on or about June 29, 2011 made a false declaration in his Asset Declaration Form by failing to declare Plot 2, 722 Kyamu District, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on leaving office (at the end of his tenure) on June 29, 2011, thereby committed an offence under Section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of part 1 Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and punishable under Section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act and as incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.
Orubebe was also alleged to have on or about June 29, 2011 made a false declaration by failing to declare Plot 2, 059 Asokoro District, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on June 29, 2011 and thereby committed an offence under Section 15 of the CCB & T Act, Cap C15, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of part one Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and punishable under section 23 (2) of the CCB & T Act and as incorporated in paragraph 18 part 1 Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.
Also, Orubebe was alleged to have while being the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs on or about September 19, 2012 asked for and accepted N50 million from one Pastor (Dr) Jonathan Alota, as  alleged bribe for the contract awarded to his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of the CCB & T Act CAP C15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.