Judge’s absence stalls Bauchi gov-elect’s arraignment

Absence of Justice Yusuf Haliru of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has stalled the arraignment of Bauchi State governor-elect, Bala Mohammed.

The governor-elect, who was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, was to be arraigned on fresh six-count charge, bordering on false declaration of assets and giving false information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mohammed, his counsel and EFCC’s counsel, Wahab Shittu were in court, but the court could not sit because the judge was said to be on election petition duty in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Shittu said: ”The EFCC is an anti-corruption agency, it does not play politics. It exists to serve the public.

“Mohammed’s arraignment is a matter that was ongoing before another judge, who has been elevated to the Court of Appeal. The expectation is that the matter would soon be reassigned to another judge.”