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The trial of Dr. Wale Babalakin and four others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N4.7 billion fraud could not proceed today as the court was told that Babalakin is on admission at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
The EFCC had filed a 27 count charge against Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Ltd, Bi-Courtney Ltd and Renix Nigeria Ltd for fraudulently assisting former governor of Delta State, James Ibori to tranfer various sums of money through third party to some foreign accounts under the guise of purchasing a Challenger Jet Aircraft.
The EFCC also alleged that Babalakin and his co defendants between May and September 2012 fraudulently assisted James to transfer various sums through various parties to Erin Aviation account in Mauritius for the purchase of the said aircraft.
The various companies that were used to transfer the alleged stolen fund includes Interactive Technologies Ltd, Sopetrol Oil and Gas Ltd, Casaka Nigeria Company Ltd, Geofluids Ltd, ABS Ltd and Hyundai Heavy Industries Nig. Ltd.
when the matter was called up today, Counsel to Babalakin, Mr. Ebun Sofunde told the court presided over by Justice Adeniji Onigbanjo that his client is currently on admission at LASUTH over an undisclosed sickness.
Mr. Sofunde informed the court that he had earlier forwarded a letter to the registrar of the court which contained a medical report by one Dr Charles Harmon about Babalakins health.
He told the court that Babalakin health deteriorated immediately after he appeared before the EFCC office in Abuja on the 26 November, 2012 for questioning.
He asked the court to adjourn the matter to allow his client recover from the undisclosed sickness.
EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Jacob expressed his disappointment at the turn of event saying he was shocked at the antics being employed by Babalakin.
He informed the court that on the said date that Babalakin purportedly took ill, he was in the EFCC office and did not show any sign of illness.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Onigbanjo asked the EFCC counsel to verify that Babalakin is on admission at LASUTH.
He also enjoined the commission to get an independent medical report on the true state of Babalakins health.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to 13 December, 2012 for possible arraignment.
