Alleged N3bn loan diversion: Court adjourns trial of ‘whistle blower’

A High Court in Bayelsa on Monday adjourned the trial of former General Manager of Radio Bayelsa, John Idumange, who raised an alarm over the alleged diversion of N3 billion Agric loan by government officials until July 29.

The court had on July 19, issued a bench warrant authorizing the arrest of Idumange, whose counsel, Ebikebuna Aluzu, had informed the court that the defendant was involved in an accident and was hospitalized.

Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah adjourned the matter until July 29.

The judge told the prosecution team led by Mrs. Iyobososa Apulu, Director of Public Prosecution in Bayelsa that the defence counsel had furnished the court with the evidence of Idumange’s injury and hospitalisation.

Although Apulu said that the hospital records were yet to be served on prosecution, the trial judge urged both counsels to appear before him on July 29 to examine the medical records.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Bayelsa, Biriyai Sambo, SAN, had filed a suit against Idumange for misdemeanor and seditious publications against government officials.

The National Daily reports that a Magistrates’ Court had on March 11 in Yenagoa, ordered Idumange’s detention for 30 days pending a Police investigation.

Idumang, who alleged that officials of the Bayelsa government diverted an N3 billion Agric loan, was arrested on March 10.

Some officials of the Bayelsa government had reported to the Police that Idumange had made seditious publications that maligned their persons in his claims.

However, the State High Court, Sagbama Division, granted bail to Idumange, who was also an aide on Research and Documentation and later Social Media to former Gov. Seriake Dickson.

The case earlier assigned to Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro was reassigned to Justice Uzakah.