Justice Peter Affen of the FCT High Court, Maitama on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 adjourned to January 16, 2018, for adoption of addresses in a no- case submission by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Chief Physician, Fortune Fiberesima.
Fiberesima is facing a 6-count charge of abuse of office and money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He was alleged to have abused his position as the chief physician to Jonathan in 2012, by awarding contracts valued at N258.9million and N36.9million respectively, to a company he had interest.
The contracts were reclamation of land at the State House Medical Centre for N358.9million and supply of medical consumables at N36.9million. The offence contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Act.
Fiberesima, who answers many aliases including Fortunate David and David Thank God Fiberesima) was arraigned on Tuesday April 25, 2017 and granted bail. In course of trial, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted as exhibits by the court.
At the resumed sitting, Hussaina Gambo, counsel to the EFCC, informed the court that the prosecution had closed their case. But, Fiberesima’s counsel, Granville Alibo, informed the court of his intension to file a no-case submission saying, “there is no nexus between the alleged offence and the defendant”.
Justice Affen, in adjourning the matter ordered the defence to file their no- case submission within seven days, while the prosecution files their response within 14 days.
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