Prosecutions’ absence stalls trial of National Arts Theatre directors

The arraignment of five directors of the National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, over alleged gratification before a Lagos Federal High Court, Lagos, was again, stalled following the absence of the prosecution counsel.

Named as directors in the case are, George Ufot Ukanta, Abiodun Abe, Femi Joel, Ndubuisi Nwogu and Mrs. Doris Okafor.The Special Presidential Panel Recovery of Public Property (SPPRPP) charged them before Justice Sule Hassan in April for allegedly receiving N500, 000, each from a contractor.

According to the prosecution counsel, Colsus Ukpong, the offences are contrary to Section 10 (1) g and (2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and punishable under section 1 (2) and 10 (1) (a) of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act.The matter was, however, adjourned till November 29, 2018 for arraignment of the defendants.