The arraignment of Dr. Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudo, Provost, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Jos, and four others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Y.G. Dakwak of the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos could not go on as planned on Wednesday, February 15, 2016.
Dr Etukudo is to be prosecuted alongside Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, FSMLT; Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Board, FSMLT; Goodluck Echewa, and Hon. Esio Udoh, both contractors of FSMLT for offences bordering on conspiracy and diversion of funds to the tune of N359 million.
When the case was called and the appearances of counsel announced, the prosecuting counsel, Steve Ehi Odiase, told the court that, although four accused persons were in court, they could not take their plea because the 3rd accused person was absent on grounds of ill health.
According to him, “the 3rd accused is at National Hospital, Abuja for a kidney related ailment and is undergoing dialysis. We will further investigate the severity of his ailment as well as the duration of his treatment and amend the charge so that trial will continue.”
Consequently, Justice Dakwak adjourned the matter to May 2, 2016 for arraignment.