The Code if Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has declared former minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Orubebe guilty of non-declaration of assets which are located in the Abuja, Asokoro.
The verdict was reached on Tuesday in Abuja in a sitting lead by Justice Danladi Umar.
The tribunal noted that having gone through the testimonies and document presented by the prosecution, all evidence show that the former minister is guilty as charged.
Following the verdict pronouncement, Umar announced that the said properties should be confiscated.
He explained that the testimonies and document presented by the prosecution proved that the former minister is guilty as charged.
He added that while the minister claimed that the property was on rent from the Federal Government, the rejection of the claim by his former landlord to allow him exercise his right over the property rendered the power of attorney useless.
Meanwhile, the former Minister was charged by the Code of Conduct Bureau for Allegedly refusing to declare landed property in Kyamu and Asokoro district, both in Abuja, on assumption of office as minister on September 26, 2007.
Mr. Orubebe pleaded ‘not guilty’ for two count charges of false declaration of assets and another two counts of bribery that was brought before the Code Of Conduct Tribunal.
In the other counts, Mr Orubebe was accused of allegedly accepting bribes totalling 70 million naira for the award of contracts in favour of his company.
CCT Judgement is False, We Will Appeal – Orubebe’s Lawyer
Barrister Larry Izimoje, the lawyer to former minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe’s lawyer has frowned at the judgment, of the Code Of Conduct Tribunal on his client, describing it as a travesty of justice.
He added that it is a case of “whether you like it or not, I must convict you.”
He made the comment on Tuesday after the guilty verdict was pronounced on the former minister.
“That’s what played out today. Thank goodness, this is not where it ends. The court of appeal is there, so we will definitely appeal against it”, he said.
The CCT sitting in Abuja pronounced former Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe guilty of non declaration of asset.
Danladi Umar, chairman of the tribunal, delivered the judgment convicting Orubebe.
