Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday fixed February 9 for the arraignment of the chairman of Nigeria International Bank Limited, Mr C.S Sankey and 16 others over alleged N2.6 billion fraud.

They are charged on 20 counts bordering on conspiracy, intent to defraud, falsification of document, fraudulent alteration and diversion of over N2. 6 billion belonging to Micmerah International Agency Ltd by the Federal Government.

The case which was fixed for hearing yesterday was stalled due to the absence of 16 accused persons.

When the case was called, only the first accused was present in court.

Mr Gordy Uche (SAN) announced appearance for the prosecution while, Mr Niyi Adegbomire (SAN) announced for the accused. Uche is prosecuting on behalf of the Federal Government, having obtained the fiat of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The prosecution then informed the court that it has not been able to effect service of the charge on the other accused.

He submitted that non-service was responsible for their absence in court.

Uche therefore, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable prosecution serve the accused with the charge.
Following the submission of counsel, Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned the suit to February 9.

Buba added that the second to 17th accused should be served with the charge before the next adjourned date.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have conspired to induce Micmerah International Agency Ltd, to deliver the said sum to them, to be used for offsetting a fraudulent import finance facility scheme.