Babachir Lawal’s trial stalled over illegible prosecution document

Babachir Lawal

The trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, was on Thursday stalled in FCT High Court, Maitama on account of illegible prosecution witness document.

The fourth prosecution witness, Aminu Ahmed, who introduced himself as Principal Procurement Officer in the office of the SGF, told the court that he was a member of the evaluation committee that recommended the contract to Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Ahmed, however, could not continue when asked by the prosecutor, Ufom Uket, to read a document which was BPP’s response to the recommendations of the evaluation committee.

The witness said the document was illegible, adding that he could not read it.

Mr Uket then prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them bring clearer copy of the report.

Granting the request, Justice Jude Okeke adjourned the matter until February 19 for continuation of trial since there was no objection.

Lawal is standing trial in alleged fraudulent award of N544.1 million for grass-cutting contract through the Presidential Initiative for North East.

His brother, David Lawal, a director of Rholavision Engineering Limited is also being tried.

Others standing trial are Sulaiman Abubakar, Managing-Director of Josmon Technologies Limited; and Apeh Monday.