By Taiye Agbaje
A traditional chief and retired civil servant, Chief George Kadiri, who stood surety for a British national, Mr. James Nolan, in the ongoing $9.6 billion P&ID fraud trial, has been arrested and brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kadiri was produced before Justice Peter Lifu on Thursday following a bench warrant issued after his repeated failure to appear in court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier secured the order after Kadiri’s absence and Nolan’s disappearance from trial.
Nolan, a director in Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID), had jumped bail after Justice Ahmed Mohammed revoked his ₦100 million bail on September 28, 2022, and ordered security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest him anywhere he is found.
Kadiri had earlier filed a motion in November 2022 seeking more time to explain why his bail bond should not be forfeited, but continued non-appearance prompted the EFCC to secure a fresh arrest warrant.
During Thursday’s hearing, EFCC counsel Bala Sanga confirmed Kadiri’s production in court, urging the court to forfeit the bail bond.
Kadiri’s lawyer, O.J. Aboge, however requested an adjournment to allow arguments on why the ₦100 million bond should not be forfeited.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Erokoro, representing the defendants, offered to stand surety for Kadiri, describing him as “a respected traditional chief in Gwagwalada” who would not abscond.
“This is my first time taking anyone on bail. He won’t run,” Erokoro assured.
The EFCC did not object to the fresh bail or the adjournment.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to November 5 for hearing on the bond forfeiture and ordered Kadiri’s release to Erokoro pending the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, Nolan, who faces multiple criminal charges, remains at large.
He was initially arraigned in August 2020 alongside Lurgi Consult Limited, the 1st defendant in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/143/2020. He is also standing trial in at least five other related cases before Justice Lifu. (NAN)
Source; PM News
