Inyang Ekwo, judge of a federal high court in Abuja, has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against several requests for adjournment in the case involving Mohammed Bello Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation, and Aliyu Abubakar, a businessman.
At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Bala Sanga, counsel to the EFCC, made a request for adjournment following the absence of the fifth prosecution witness.
Sanga said the fifth witness became hesitant to testify before the court.
He, however, added that a subpoena had been issued and served on the witness on Wednesday morning.
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He then prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable the prosecution bring its witness.
Responding, Ekwo told the prosecution counsel to take note that there is a limit to the number of adjournments he can request.
This is the fourth time that the court will adjourn the case at the instance of the prosecution.
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On August 3, the judge had berated the EFCC over its lateness to file an amended charge.
On August 11, the anti-graft commission also sought an adjournment after failing to serve necessary processes (witness statements) on the defendants.
On Monday, Olalekan Ojo, counsel to the second defendant (Abubakar), raised an objection, noting that the statement of the fourth prosecution witness was not added to the proof of evidence served on them.
Consequently, an adjournment was also granted at the instance of the EFCC.
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According to section 396(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), “where day to day trial is impracticable after arraignment, no party shall be entitled to more than five adjournments from arraignment to final judgment…”
Adoke and Abubakar were re-arraigned by the EFCC on August 4, on an amended 14-count charge bordering on money laundering.
The former AGF is answering to seven counts, same as Abubakar.
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