The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expanded its case against Adeniyi Adeyemi to 36 counts and added four defendants, with arraignment postponed in Abuja on Monday.
Prosecution lawyer Sylvanus Tahir told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama that the amended charge had been filed on 3 November, according to Punch and Channels Television court reports.
The change prevented the planned trial and bail hearing from proceeding. Tahir said a co-defendant, Florence Omameh, was reportedly in hospital and could not attend court to enter a plea.
Defence lawyer Ibrahim Angulu did not oppose the amended charge or the adjournment, but reminded the court of Adeyemi’s prolonged detention.
Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to 22 charges on 29 October, after the earlier Federal High Court case was withdrawn. The prosecution concerns his claimed leadership of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
ICPC alleges forgery, impersonation and fraud. Those allegations remain unproven, and Monday’s proceedings did not amount to a conviction.
Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned the case until 18 November for the defendants’ arraignment. Adeyemi remains at Kuje Correctional Centre, while the other defendants remain in ICPC custody.
Sources: Punch; Channels Television
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