I am Not In A Good Physical Condition To Stand Trial – Chimaroke Nnamani

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Ex-Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, told the Federal High Court in Lagos, that he is not in a good physical condition to stand trial.

The ex-governor said he is suffering from a “chronic” heart problem, having undergone surgery and is yet to recover.

The development again stalled his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The commission, on March 7, re-arraigned Nnamani before Justice Mohammed Yunusa on 105 counts of money laundering and economic crimes involving about N4.5billion state funds.

He was charged along with his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and six firms – Rainbownet Nig Limited, Hillgate Nig Limited, Cosmo FM, Capital City Automobile Nig Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

Part of the allegedly laundered money was meant for some local government areas, which was allegedly transferred to Nnamani’s bank account in the United States.

The crime was allegedly committed while Nnamani, also a former Senator, was governor between 1999 and 2007.

The charge was filed seven years ago, but trial is yet to begin because of several delays.

The case has also passed through four different judges due to transfers and retirements.

On Tuesday, Nnamani’s lawyer, Mr. Oluyele Delano (SAN), said the principle of fair hearing requires that his client must well enough to defend himself.

“The first accused person is seriously ill. He has undergone a quadruple bypass, an open-heart surgery, and while there was relative success with regard to the surgery, he has had to embark on a slow, tedious recovery process.

“Unfortunately, he recently suffered a setback to his health in that he continues to suffer chronic chest pains, which the doctors suspect that it may be that his heart is rejecting the pacemaker that has been installed there.

“My Lord, a dead man cannot be tried. I humbly crave the indulgence of the court to give us more time to be in a position to vigorously defend the allegations against us.

“The doctrine of fair hearing acknowledges the need for the accused person not to be prejudiced in his ability to defend the accusations against him on account of ill health,” Delano said.

EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kelvin Uzozie, did not oppose the request for an adjournment, but said he did not think Nnamani’s health problem is serious enough to stop his trial.

He said: “Illness per se is not a ground for stalling trial. The question is, is the accused person capable of understanding the proceedings?”

Ruling, Justice Yunusa said Nnamani should be given the opportunity to defend himself.

“A criminal trial is a rigorous activity that requires a strong person,” he said.

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