Whistleblower on Bayelsa’s N3b agric loan diversion goes on trial

The trial has begun in Bayelsa of former Radio Bayelsa general manager, John Idumange, who blew the whistle on alleged diversion of N3 billion in agric loans by state government officials.

The trial has begun in Bayelsa of former Radio Bayelsa general manager, John Idumange, who blew the whistle on the alleged diversion of N3 billion agric loans by state government officials.

Bayelsa attorney-general Biriyai Sambo is suing Idumange for misdemeanour and seditious publication against government officials.

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But on Monday the trial was adjourned till July 19, after Ebikebuna Aluzu counsel for Idumange who was summoned for fresh arraignment told the court that the defendant who was on bail was on his way to court.

Reacting to the assertion by Aluzu that the defendant was on bail, the trial Judge said that the defendant was summoned for arraignment to take his plea and subsequently adjourned the case for plea and hearing.

A magistrate court had on March 11 in Yenagoa, ordered Idumange’s detention for 30 days pending Police investigation.

Idumang, who alleged that officials of Bayelsa government diverted a N3 billion Agric loan, was arrested on March 10 and charged to court the next day.

Some officials of the Bayelsa State government had reported to the Police that Idumange had made seditious publications that maligned their persons in his claims.

However, the State High Court, Sagbama Division, granted bail to Idumange, who was also an aide on Research and Documentation and later Social Media to former Governor Seriake Dickson.

The case earlier assigned to Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro was reassigned to Justice Uzakah for hearing.