The planned arraignment of the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Ishaq Moddibbo Kawu, before Hon. Justice F. O. Giwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja Court 9, over an alleged misapplication of N2.5 billion seed grant released to the agency by the federal government for its digital switch-over programme could not hold as scheduled due to the inability of prosecution counsel to effect service on the defendant.
When the case came up on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Henry Emore, informed the court that Dr. Kawu, together with his co-accused persons; the Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited, Mr. Lucky Omoluwa and the Managing Director of the same company, Mr. Dipo Onifade, were not yet served.
The prosecution further informed the court of a pending exparte application for leave to serve the said charges on the defendants through substituted means.
The judge granted the application and adjourned the case to 12th March, 2019, for them to be arraigned over their complicity in the alleged crime.
The defendants are facing multiple count charges that include misapplication of government funds and converting same to private use.