Two former aides of former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva was on Tuesday arraigned by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Kate Abiri of the State High Court, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state on a four-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.
The duo, Ziriki Timipre Godwill and Wenibowei Moses Michael, who served as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Persons Living with Disabilities and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Youth and Conflict Management respectively were first arraigned on the 4th of March, 2013 before Justice J.A Ajuwa Suo Motu of the State High Court. But the case file had to be returned to the Chief Judge for re-assignment after the trial judge revealed that the 1st accused attends the same church with him.
Zikiri and Moses allegedly conspired and diverted the sum of N10 million approved by Governor Sylva for non- indigenes welfare.
They however, pleaded not guilty to the amended charge when it was read to them prompting the prosecution counsel, A.I Arogha to seek the leave of the court to commence trial as some of the prosecuting witnesses were on hand and ready to testify.
The defence counsel, Eric Deri and Prince D.O Ejinyere, however prayed that the accused persons be granted bail on the previous terms offered them by the court, the prayer that was granted and the case adjourned the matter till February 28, and March 14 and 17, 2014 for hearing.