Felix Nnamdi/Abuja

Mohammed Abacha, son of Nigeria’s late former military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha on Tuesday failed to show up for his trial on an amended nine counts charge of stolen property involving the sum of N444.63 billion made up in foreign currencies and travelers cheques.

The scion of the Abacha family was to be arraigned before an Abuja High Court presided by Justice Mamman Kolo for allegedly receiving stolen property said to belong to the federal government which his late father stole from the national treasury while he was at the helm of affairs in the country.

His absence however stalled proceedings as his lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo, told the court that his client was recuperating from a heart related ailment following his doctor’s advice that he take a two weeks bed rest.

Mohammed Abacha: absent at theft trial

The federal government had alleged that Mohammed had unlawfully received the stolen properties between 1995 and 1998.

“My lord, i wish to inform this court that about four days ago, the accused took ill and he was rushed to Hospital. His absence in court today is neither deliberate nor an attempt to run away from his trial. He was diagnose to have Blood Pressure issues and severe chest pain and his doctors prescribed some drugs for him and recommended two weeks bed rest” the lawyer told the court.

He also tendered a medical report in support of his submission and sought for an adjournment to enable Mr. Abacha recuperate and attend to his trial.

The prosecutor, Mr. Daniel Enwelum reluctantly conceded to the application for adjournment noting that since it was a medical issue, it is better to allow the accused person to recuperate enough to stand his trial.

The court thereafter adjourned the matter to 18th June for his arraignment.