The absence of Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah of the Bayelsa High Court on Monday stalled the trial of John Idumange, who raised the alarm over the diversion of N3 billion agriculture loan by government officials in Bayelsa.

The court registry staff informed litigants and lawyers that the judge would not sit.

Although no reason was given for the judge’s absence, court officials said the judge directed litigants to pick a new date for adjournment.

The court clerks subsequently fixed February 1 for the continuation of trial following an agreement by the prosecution counsel, director of public prosecution in Bayelsa Iyobol Apulu and defence counsel Ebikebuna Aluzu.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa, Biriyai Sambo, filed a suit against Mr Idumange for misdemeanour and seditious publications against government officials.

The Yenagoa Magistrates’ Court had, on March 11, ordered Mr Idumange’s detention for 30 days, pending a police investigation.

Mr Idumange, who alleged that officials of the Bayelsa government diverted N3 billion agric loan, submitting a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was arrested on March 10.

Some government officials reported to the police that Mr Idumange made seditious publications that maligned their persons in his claims.

However, the Sagbam Division of the High Court granted bail to Mr Idumange, an aide on research and documentation and later social media to ex-Governor Seriake Dickson.

Earlier assigned to Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, the case was reassigned to the current judge. 

(NAN)