Admin I Wednesday, May 24, 2023
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Government seems no longer interested in prosecuting former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, FFK, who is part of the media team for the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president- elect.
Femi Fani-Kayode, FFK was alleged to have forged medical report(s), which he tendered before Justice Daniel Osiagor of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for alleged N4.9 billion fraud.
But he has failed to show up for trial since he took up appointment as part of the Tinubu campaign team. Among his excuses has been his troubles with the Department of State Service, DSS and ill health.
FFK was also not in court today with Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, threatening to declare the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, wanted for his refusal to appear for trial.
This is coming as the trial judge equally frowned at the prosecutor, the EFCC, accusing it of non-diligent prosecution, noting that they can withdraw the matter if the commission is not ready to prosecute.
At the last adjourned date, FFK’s counsel, Mr. Wale Balogun, had informed the court of the absence of the defendant due to health reasons and issues he had with the Department of State Services, DSS.
Mr. Balogun had pleaded with the court to grant him adjournment with a promise to make him available at today’s proceeding. However, when the matter was called today, Mr Chinozo Eze who represents him told the court that Fani-Kayode was not in court due to health issues.
He informed the court that a medical report and a letter seeking the leave of the court to vacate the two dates is already in the court file.
EFCC Counsel, Zinat Atiku, confirmed the development and said the prosecution’s hands are tight as to how to forge ahead. However, the judge frowned at the constant non-appearance of the defendant noting that the last time he was in court was November 4, 2022.
The judge sighted a series of excuses that has been tendered by the defendant for his non-appearances. Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe adjourned the case until November 7, 2023, for the continuation of trial.
