Witnesses Insists Orubebe Failed to Declare His Assets

Ex-Minister denies allegation
Tobi Soniyi in Abuja
The cross examination of the first prosecution witness, Sam Madojemu, in the on going trial of the former Minister for Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, on a one-count charge of false asset declaration has ended as the witness insisted that the former minister failed to declare his full asset while in office.

Under cross examination by the defence counsel, Larry Selekowei, SAN, the witness, Madojemu,  who is  the head of investigation with the Code of Conduct  Bureau (CCB) said  the property  at Plot 2057, Asokoro, Abuja, was not declared by Orubebe while in office between 2007 and 2011.

The witness said Orubebe was invited and promised to send his lawyer to the CCB  to clear him, which he never did.
He however said he was not sure if the Bureau wrote to Orubebe but he called Orubebe 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 was 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.
The trial was adjourned to Tuesday, May 23 for continuation.