N3bn Agric Loan Diversion: Court Orders Arrest Of Bayelsa Whistleblower

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa on Monday issued a bench warrant authorising the arrest of a former General Manager of Radio Bayelsa, John Idumange, who blew the whistle over alleged diversion of N3 billion Agric loan by the state government officials.

Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah issued the warrant following an oral application by State Prosecuting Counsel, E.S. Obed, who noted that Idumange has been absent from court to defend charges against him.

The Defense Counsel, Ebikenuna Aluzu, had told the court that the defendant had an accident on his way to court but the judge insisted that the defendant must be produced in court and adjourned till July 26.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Bayelsa State, Biriyai Sambo, SAN sued Idumange for misdemeanor and seditious publications against government officials, who Idumange accused of diverting the loan.

It would be recalled that a Magistrates’ Court had on March 11 in Yenagoa, ordered Idumange’s detention for 30 days pending a Police investigation.

Idumang, who alleged that officials of Bayelsa state government diverted a N3 billion Agric loan, was arrested on March 10 and charged to court the next day.