ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
A High Court in Bayelsa State has adjourned the trial of former General Manager of Radio Bayelsa, Dr John Idumange, the whistle-blower who raised the alarm over alleged diversion of N3bn agriculture loan by government officials, to July 29, 2021.
The court had on July 19 issued a bench warrant, ordering the arrest of Idumange, whose lawyer, Ebikebuna Aluzu, had informed the court that he was involved in an auto accident that resulted in his admission in hospital.
Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah, who adjourned the matter until Thursday, July 29, told the prosecuting team led by Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs Iyobososa Apulu, that defence counsel had furnished the court with evidence that Idumange was injured and hospitalised.
Although Apulu said that the hospital records had yet to be served on prosecution, the judge urged both lawyers to appear before him on July 29 to examine the medical records.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Bayelsa, Biriyai Sambo (SAN), sued Idumange for misdemeanor and seditious publications against government officials, whom the whistle-blower accused of diverting the loan.
Magistrates court in Yenagoa had on March 11 ordered Idumange’s detention for 30 days pending police investigation after his arrest on March 10.
Some officials of the Bayelsa State 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 a former aide on Research and Documentation and later Social Media to former Governor Seriake Dickson.
The case earlier assigned to Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro was reassigned to Justice Uzakah.