The Code of Conduct Tribunal on Tuesday convicted a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godsday Peter Orubebe for failure to declare his property plot 2057 at Asokoro District, Abuja.While delivering the judgment, Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Yakub Umar found Elder Orubebe guilty in the one count charge of false asset declaration; he however seized on behalf of the federal government property known as plot 2057 at Asokoro in Abuja.
As punishment the two man panel, chaired by Justice Umar ordered forfeiture of the undeclared property, plot 2057 at the Asokoro, Abuja to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Chairman stated ‘‘the prosecution had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt and all evidence tendered are admitted’’. He added; the court is satisfy with the prosecution that up to the time of delivering the judgment it is the name of the accused person that is with Federal Capital Territory Land Registry as owner of the property and not the DW1/ DEVENTION PROPERTY LTD.
The Tribunal hereby adjudge the accused person (Orubebe) guilty as charged and on that premise hands down the punishment in accordance to section 23 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as incorporated in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The Tribunal rejected Mr. Orubebe’s defense that he acquired the said property after he became Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria and sold to another company before he left office.
Ibraheem AL-Hassan,
Head, Press & Public Relations,
CCT HQ. Abuja
