EFCC commences trail of ex-Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva

The trail of former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva will commence on May 25.

The court will be sitting before Justice E. S Chukwu of the Federal High Court Maitama, Abuja.

Sylva is facing trail on a six count charge of fraud to the tune of N2.45bn (two billion, and forty five million naira).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 18, re-arraigned Sylva who allegedly converted N2bn (two billion naira) worth of properties and resources belonging to Bayelsa State between 2009 and 2010, during his tenure as governor of the State, an offence punishable by the Money Laundering Act.

He was also alleged to have induced Union Bank Plc to grant him an overdraft facility of N2bn on the pretext of using the money to augment workers’ salary.

It will be recalled that, the former governor also has similar charges pending against him before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja .

Sylva had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge when he was first arraigned for the offences before Justice Adamu Bello (retd.) on June 5, 2012.

The matter had to start de novo (afresh) following the retirement of Justice Bello, a development which prompted Sylva’s re-arraignment before Justice Chukwu.

Upon his plea, Sylva’s counsel, Israel Olorundare, SAN, through an oral application sought bail for the former governor.

The prosecuting counsel, Festus Keyamo, represented by John Ainetor, did not oppose the bail application.