Former Niger-Delta Minister, Orubebe Rearraigned

Godsday Orubebe, the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, today pleaded not guilty to a fresh one-count charge of false assets declaration brought against him by the Code of conduct Bureau.

Orubebe, who was earlier arraigned before tribunal on November 8 last year on a four-count charge, was re arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on an amended charge of one count.

At the commencement of proceedings today, prosecution lawyer, Mohammad Diri told the court that the prosecution has amended the earlier charge and wished to substitute it with a new charge of one count.

After the charge was read to Orubebe, he pleaded not guilty. Diri then announced that he intends to call three witnesses and sought an adjournment to enable him present his witnesses. The Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar then adjourned the case to April 7.

It will be recalled that Orubebe was earlier charged with false assets declaration and acceptance of bribe estimated at N70 million.