The Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of a Supreme Court judge, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta till May 25 and 26 after the Federal Government failed to produce exhibits it claimed will nail the defendant in court.
“My lord I am still waiting for the exhibits. They are not here for reasons unknown to me. Till now the exhibits have not arrived.
“I most humbly pray my lord for a short adjournment”, the prosecution counsel, Mrs. Olufemi Fatunde, told trial Justice John Tsoho, having waited in vain for the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to arrive at the court with the exhibits.
Responding, the defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), said it was regrettable that speedy hearing of the case was being stalled by the prosecution, adding that his client, Justice Ngwuta was anxious to clear his name.
“My lord by virtue of his position, the defendant is anxious to defend himself on merit in order to prove himself innocent. Whenever the exhibits arrive, we will be ready to continue with the matter.
Read also: FG returns charge dropped against Justice Ngwuta
“It appears that the defendant is more anxious to defend himself than the prosecution is to prosecute him,” Agabi said.
Following this development, Justice Tsoho adjourned the matter till May 25 and 26 for continuation.
Justice Ngwuta is facing an amended 13-count criminal charges the Federal Government preferred against him.
He was also accused by the Federal Government of falsifying his age, as well as possessing multiple international passports.
RipplesNigeria ….without borders, without fears
Click here to download the Ripples Nigeria App for latest updates
- QuickRead: Buhari sits as judge. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter - January 17, 2021
- QuickRead: Obasanjo’s admonitions, Buratai’s assurances. Three other stories we tracked and why they matter - January 3, 2021
- QuickRead: Kukah’s daring shots, Adesina’s audacity. Three other stories we tracked and why they matter - December 27, 2020
