ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The absence of a former General Manager of Radio Bayelsa, Dr. John Idumange, who blew the whistle of alleged diversion of N3b agriculture loan by some state government officials has stalled the trial in a Bayelsa State High Court in Yenogoa.
When the case was came up, prosecution counsel Ebipamo Koroye expressed disappointment over the defendant’s absence despite a bench warrant issued that he be compelled to appear in court.
Koroye noted that Idumange’s continued absence from court to face trial and sending lawyers to represent him was a gross disrespect for the court.
He urged the defence counsel, Mr E. P Joseph, to produce the defendant for trial.
Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah recalled that he had earlier issued a bench warrant to compel Idumange to appear in court to take his plea and face trial.
Justice Uzakah, therefore, adjourned the matter until April 20, 2022.
Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Sambo (SAN), filed a suit against Idumange for misdemeanour and seditious publications against government officials.
A magistrates’ court had on March 11, 2021 in Yenagoa, ordered Idumange’s detention for 30 days, pending police investigation.
Idumange, who had alleged that officials of Bayelsa government diverted N3b Agriculture loan and subsequently submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was arrested on March 10, 2021.
Some ranking officials of the state government had reported to the police that Idumange made seditious publications that maligned their persons in his claims.
However, the State High Court, Sagbama Division, granted bail to Idumange, who was also an aide on Research and Documentation and later Social Media to former Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson.
Recall that the case, earlier assigned to Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, was reassigned to Justice Uzakah following a written request by the state Attorney-General to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri.