Counsel’s ill health stalls Fani-Kayode’s trial

A federal high court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the trial of Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, till July 7, as a result of his counsel’s ill health.

The court had earlier adjourned on April 25 for cross-examination following the testimony of Victor Ehiabhi, the first prosecution witness.

At the resumed hearing, Abubakar Yusuf, the defence counsel, who stood in for Ahmed Raji, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that the defence would not be able to cross-examine the witness due to Raji’s absence.

Yusuf said Raji was currently receiving treatment abroad and the prosecution had been informed of the development.

Johnson Ojogbane, prosecuting counsel, did not oppose the application for an adjournment but, however, urged the court to ensure the defence counsel cross-examined the witness on the next adjourned date.

After listening to both counsels, John Tsoho, the presiding judge, adjourned the matter till July 7 for the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness and continuation of trial.

Fani-Kayode was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Tsoho on a fresh five-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The former aviation minister was accused of collecting N26 million from the office of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, and using same for media campaign.

He was the director of the campaign organisation for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 presidential election.

He is also facing another 17-count charge of money laundering before the Lagos division of the court.