Former Minister of Niger Delta, Mr Godsday Orubebe, has entered a ‘not guilty’ plea for two count charges of false declaration of assets and another two counts of bribery.

Mr Orubebe in counts one and two was accused of failure to declare his assets at plot 2722 Kyamu and plot 2059 in Asokoro district, both in Abuja, on assumption of office as Minister on September 26, 2007.

In count three, he was accused of accepting 50 million naira bribe from one Pastor Jonathan Alota, on September 19, 2012 for award of contract in favour of his (Alota’s) company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited.

In count four, he allegedly accepted additional 20 million naira bribe from Alota in 2013 for the award of a contract to Chemtronics Nigeria Limited for the construction of skill acquisition centre at Edo State for the sum of 1.8 billion naira.

Trial, however, could not commence as the prosecutor told the tribunal that he was not ready with his witnesses.

According to the prosecutor he would require time to get all of his witnesses ready. He therefore asked for two weeks extension to enable him commence with his case.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, expressed disappointment at the failure of the prosecution to present its witnesses immediately after the arraignment.

He adjourned till November 26 ‎with a warning to the prosecution to come with all their witnesses on the next hearing date. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Orubebe in the dock . . . yesterday at the CCT, Abuja.