The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, is expected to open his defence against false assets declaration on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.

This follows the decision of the Federal Government to close it case against the former minister, having decided against calling a second prosecution witness.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by CCT spokesperson, Ibrahim Al-hassan, the prosecution team, represented by Ejike Augustine Orji chose to close its case because it felt “there is no further cause to call for any other witness,” a decision that surprised the defence team.

“The defence Counsel led by Selekowei Larry (SAN), told the Tribunal that they were taken by surprise with the development, he said they did not envisaged this development before now, he prayed that in such circumstance he needed an adjournment to prepare for their defence, subject to the convenience of the tribunal,” the statement read.

As a result, CCT chairman, Danladi Umar, acceded to the defence request and adjourned the case to May 31, 2016, to enable the accused begin his defence.