A former Enugu State governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he is unfit to stand trial.
The ex-governor said he is suffering from a “chronic” heart problem, having undergone surgery and is yet to recover.
The development again stalled his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The commission, on March 7, re-arraigned Nnamani before Justice Mohammed Yunusa on 105 counts of money laundering and economic crimes involving about N4.5billion state funds.
He was charged along with his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and six firms – Rainbownet Nig Limited, Hillgate Nig Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nig Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.
Part of the allegedly laundered money was meant for some local government areas, which was allegedly transferred to Nnamani’s bank account in the United States.
The crime was allegedly committed while Nnamani, also a former Senator, was governor between 1999 and 2007.
The charge was filed seven years ago, but trial is yet to begin because of several delays.
The case has also passed through four different judges due to transfers and retirements.
On Tuesday, Nnamani’s lawyer, Mr. Oluyele Delano (SAN), said the principle of fair hearing requires that his client must well enough to defend himself.
“The first accused person is seriously ill. He has undergone a quadruple bypass, an open heart surgery, and while there was relative success with regard to the surgery, he has had to embark on a slow, tedious recovery process.
“Unfortunately, he recently suffered a setback to his health in that he continues to suffer chronic chest pains, which the doctors suspect that it may be that his heart is rejecting the pacemaker that has been installed there.
“My Lord, a dead man cannot be tried. I humbly crave the indulgence of the court to give us more time to be in a position to vigorously defend the allegations against us.
“The doctrine of fair hearing acknowledges the need for the accused person not to be prejudiced in his ability to defend the accusations against him on account of ill health,” Delano said.
EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kelvin Uzozie, did not oppose the request for an adjournment, but said he did not think Nnamani’s health problem is serious enough to stop his trial.
He said: “Illness per se is not a ground for stalling trial. The question is, is the accused person capable of understanding the proceedings?”
Ruling, Justice Yunusa said Nnamani should be given the opportunity to defend himself.
“A criminal trial is a rigorous activity that requires a strong person,” he said. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Na now u no say u dey sick,when u where busy shearing the land that in enugu u were nt sick,u sold zoo and build houses on it u were nt sick,God will purnish u, both EFCC and justics mohamed u guys should no dat there is God oh,
ReplyDeleteWell said. I hope he is not using d stolen funds to treat himself cos he will never get well. D evil that men do live with them may eventualy kill them. I don't pray for him to die but repent and return ALL that he stole frm enugu state Gbam
ReplyDeleteSo shall it be. By the Grace of God ur prayer to be unfit shall be granted. Please say amen !
ReplyDeleteWhen you are busy slutering people in Enugu state,you were not sick,when you were busy demolishing properties belonging to your opposition,you not sick,when you were stealing money meant for local government,you were not sick,and now they want to try you,you became sick,Chimaroke Nnamani you will be sick until you are dead becos you are a compete disappointment to Enugu state besides you had nothing to show as the former governor of the state rather you you enriched touts and breed more criminals in the state,and this is why you are better of dead,the judge who have collected bribe and fail to do something should know that nemesis is awaitng them,and most understand that there is God oooo
ReplyDeleteBut you were fit to steal?
ReplyDelete