The trial of a former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Prof. Innocent
Azubike Umezulike, who was arraigned by the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission for false declaration of assets, began on Monday at
the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
At
the commencement of the trial on Monday, prosecution witness, Usman
Adoke, an operative of the EFCC, during examination by the prosecution
counsel, Ahmedu Arogha, told the court that Plots 312 and 767
Independence Layout, Enugu, belonged to the defendant, but that he did
not disclose his interest in the property in the Asset Declaration Form
he filled at the EFCC.
Usman further told the court that his team
wrote the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Ministry of Lands, Enugu for
information on the property.
He said a response from the Ministry
of Lands, Enugu indicated that the former Chief Judge was the owner of
the said plots of land.
Umezulike was arraigned on a four count charge of non-disclosure of
asset and false declaration of assets on March 16, 2017 before Justice
J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was subsequently granted bail on self-recognition in the sum of N2 million.
He was also ordered to deposit his international passport with the court.
Count
one of the charge reads: “That you Innocent Azubike Umezulike on or
about the 16th day of February 2017 at Port Harcourt within the
jurisdiction of this honourable Court knowingly failed to make
disclosure of your asset to wit: Plot 312 Independence Layout Enugu and
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27(3)(a)of the Economic
and Financial Crimes (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under
Section 27(3)(c)of the same Act.”
The case has been adjourned to May 8, 9 and 10 for continuation of trial.
