The trial of Chima Igwe, a former Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), charged with certificate fraud, was stalled on Tuesday due to the absence of his counsel.

Igwe is charged with certificate fraud before Justice Sherifat Solebo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting him on a three-count charge.

The count borders on giving a document with false information, using his office to get an unfair advantage, and making a false statement to a public officer.

On Tuesday, a member of the prosecution team, Mr. Kehinde Adetoye, informed the court that he received a letter, via Whatsapp, from defense counsel, Mr. C.U. Nwonu, to seek adjournment of the case.

“We received a letter from defense counsel dated June 10, seeking adjournment of the matter.

“According to the letter, the lead defense counsel is to appear before a higher court in Abuja. He will be back in Lagos tomorrow,” he said.

Adetoye prayed the court give a new date for the continuation of the trial.

The court consequently adjourned the case until Sept.12 for the continuation of the trial.

The court had on Feb. 23 summoned an Administrative Officer at FIIRO, Abidemi Abati, to testify in the trial.

Igwe’s alleged offenses contravene Sections 17(1)(c), 19, and 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.