Orubebe now faces one count charge of false asset declaration

The Federal Government has reduced the four-count charges filed at the Code of Conduct Tribunal against a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe to only the one bordering on false assets declaration.

Orubebe, who was re-arraigned on Tuesday before the tribunal pleaded not guilty to the amended charge.

Prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri explained that the amended charge was brought in accordance with the provisions of section 214 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Accordingly, the other charges including the N70 million bribe by the ex- Minister was dropped by the Federal Government.

Diri, told the Danladi Umar-led CCT on Tuesday that the amended charge was dated March 7, 2016 but filed on March 8 (Tuesday).

The lead defence counsel, Mr. Selekowei Larry (SAN), did not oppose the amendment and it was accordingly accepted by the Tribunal, which thereafter struck out the old charges.