Nigeria, July 20 -- The trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and his two sons over alleged N1.35 billion fraud stalled on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The proceedings did not continue as scheduled because the lead defence lawyer, Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). His absence was said to be on health grounds.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

Mr Lamido and his sons, Aminu and Mustapha, are standing trial on 37 money laundering charges involving N1.35 billion in alleged proceeds of kickbacks and fictitious contract awards.

Mr Lamido and his co-defendants allegedly committed the offences...