FG Drops Bribery Charges Against Ex-Minister, Orubebe

The Federal Government has amended the ‎charges of preferred against a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.The amendment which saw the number of the original counts filed against Orubebe reduced from four to one, has eliminated the charges bordering the acceptance of N70m bribe by the ex-minister.
Only one out of the two counts bordering on false assets declaration ‎in the former charges was retained in the new one.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Mohammed Diri, told the Danladi Umar-led CCT on Tuesday that the amended charge was dated March 7, 2016 but filed on March 8 (Tuesday).
He said the amended charge was filed in line with provisions of section 214 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Diri said it was served on the defence some moments before the proceedings began on Tuesday.
The lead defence counsel, Mr. Selekowei Larry (SAN), did not oppose the amendment.