the trial of a businesswoman, Ngozi Ibeka, on 14 counts of fraud and
breach of trust, was on Monday stalled by the accused’s ill health.
Consequently, Justice Valentine Ashi adjourned the case to June 9.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 13, alleged
that Ibeka, Managing Director of Em-Lette Nigeria Limited, received
several supplies of rice from Stallion Nigeria Limited and issued 14
different cheques in payment.
The EFCC alleged that the cheques were dishonoured by the bank due to insufficient funds in her account.
Ashi said, “The adjournment is necessary because it is obvious that the accused is not fit to stand trial.
“I have observed that the accused person look sick. I also agreed
with the learned counsel who applied for adjournment to enable the
accused person to recover.
“I therefore adjourn the matter because the accused person is not in any condition to speak.”
Earlier, Mr Chuka Udemezue, counsel for the accused, urged the court for an adjournment.
Udemezue also told the court to consider the medical report from the Wuse General Hospital which was tendered in court.
According to the counsel, the accused person recently lost her
husband, adding that there was a document before the court attesting to
that.
The counsel said the accused was suffering from lung infection.
The EFCC counsel, Mr Andrew Akoja, did not oppose the application for adjournment.
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