N10m Fraud: Suspect’s absence stalls trial

The trial of Barrister Kingsley Odabi who was charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over N10 million fraud was stalled due to his absence in court.

The Commission had filed a 3-count charge against Odabi at High Court 10, Gudu District Abuja, bordering on forgery and falsification of land documents to defraud one Dr. A. Babade.

ICPC in the charge sheet preferred against him, accused him of “Forging a document to wit: Offer of Terms of Grant of Conveyance of approval with the intent to cause Dr. Babade B. A. to part with Ten Million Naira for the sale of plot 780 within Kaura District, Abuja contrary to section 363 and punishable under section 304 of the penal code Act 2004.

Odabi was billed to be arraigned on 21st January, 2016 but he failed to appear in court leading the judge, Justice A. Banjoko to rule for a new date for his re-arraignment.

ICPC counsel, Mr. Paul Bassi, described his absence as breach of the condition of administrative bail.

He asked the court to revoke the administrative bail and invite his surety to produce him in the Court. The case was rescheduled to 16th February, 2016 for the re-arraignment.