Fraud: Maimuna’s absence stalls arraignment

By Vivian Okejeme

Abuja

The arraignment of Maimuna Aliyu, over charge of abuse of public funds and criminal breach of trust before a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, was yesterday stalled due to the absence of the defendan in court.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting the former Executive Director (Retail), Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Abuja on a three count charge.
The defendant was alleged to have diverted about N57 million being sales from the property belonging to the bank to personal use.
Maimuna is the mother of Maryam Sanda, who allegedly murdered her husband, the son of a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
When the matter came up yesterday, prosecuting counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that though the matter was for arraignment of the defendant, the prosecution had some difficulties serving court processes on her.
He added that she was eventually served through the IPO, who claimed that he (IPO) told her of the arraignment date.
“Since we did not procure hearing notice from the court to serve, we take responsibility of her absence in court.”
He prayed the court for a short adjournment to serve her with the hearing notice.
Reacting, the defence counsel, J.K Gadzama (SAN), told the court that his client was not aware of the arraignment, and hence, her absence, adding that he would bring the defendant in court on the next adjourned date.
He added that he was not present when the IPO served the defendant with the process.
At the instance of the prosecution, the trial judge, Justice Nasiru adjourned till December 14.

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