*Ex-Minister Denies Allegation
Tobi Soniyi in Abuja
The cross examination of the first prosecution witness, Sam Madojemu, in the ongoing trial of the former Minister for Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, on a one-count charge of false asset declaration has ended with the witness insisting that the former minister failed to declare his full assets while in office.
Under cross examination by the defence counsel, Larry Selekowei, SAN, Madojemu, who is head of investigation at the Code of Conduct Bureau, said the property Plot 2057 in Asokoro , Abuja, was not declared by Orubebe while in office between 2007 and 2011.
He said Orubebe was invited and promised to send his lawyer or come to the Code of Conduct Bureau to clear himself, which he never did.
He however said he was not sure if the bureau wrote to Orubebe but he called then-minister personally.
When asked if there was any print -out of the conversation he said it was not necessary in the case.
Madojemu also said the Certificate of Occupancy of the said property was collected by one Engineer Rody on behalf of Orubebe but there is no documentary Evidence of Application for land, letter of offer, acceptance letter, or petition .
After the cross examination prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri urged the court for a short adjournment which was granted.
Orubebe was arraigned by the federal government on a one-count charge of false asset declaration, which he pleaded not guilty.
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