Admin l Thursday, March 30, 2017
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Ongoing trial of the embattled Federal High Court Judge, Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia was stalled today due to absence of counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Ajumogobia was dragged to court on 30 count charge, bordering on bribery and also enriching herself as a public officer.
She entered a not guilty plea. She was put on trial alongside, Godwin Obla, SAN
The absence of EFCC team forced Justice Hakeem Oshodi of a Lagos High Court to adjourn till April 10 for further hearing.
The Judge came to the decision at the instance of the defence counsels who asked for an adjournment due to the absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo who was said to be before the Court of Appeal.
Obla’s Counsel, Ifedayo Adedipe SAN, expressed disappointment in the absence of the EFCC Prosecutor, adding that the defence was not served with the letter explaining his absence.
“My Lord, we came her this morning to be confronted with a letter from the prosecution, stating that he could not be present in court because he is presently before the Court of Appeal. I am am surprised that the prosecution did not deem it fit to serve the defense with a copy of the letter.
“There are somethings I would like to say, but I would reserve my comments until the prosecution is present in court at the next adjourned date,”Adedipe said, adding that they had two urgent and pending applications that were ripe for hearing.
Ajumogobia’s Counsel, Olawale Akoni also aligned himself with the 2nd defendant’s counsel, while also asking for a short adjournment. Consequently, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter till April 10 for hearing of the pending applications.
