Politics

Again, lawyers absence stalls Dokpesi’s trial

Published

8 years ago

June 16, 2016

The Federal High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, adjourned the trial of media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and his firm, Daar Holding and Investment Limited, till October 19 due to the absence of the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.

Wednesday was the second time the case would suffer long adjournment due to Jacobs absence.

It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had on February 17, 2016 arraigned Dokpesi and his firm on a six count charge for procurement fraud and breach of public trust involving N2.1bn.

Dokpesi and his company were alleged to have received the N2.1 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA for the funding of the 2015 presidential campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The EFCC said the act was a breach of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Presiding judge, Justice John Tsoho, had, on March 2, adjourned till April 28 for commencement of trial.

Read also: Dokpesi boots out entire AIT staff in Edo

However, Dokpesi and his lawyers were in court on the adjourned date but Jacobs was absent, forcing Justice Tsoho to again adjourn till Wednesday, June 15.

When Dokpesi’s lawyer, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), announced his appearance and those of other lawyers appearing with him, Justice Tsoho asked if he was aware of a letter written by the prosecution, requesting for an adjournment. Adedipe informed the court that the lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, informed him and requested for an adjournment.

Adedipe, who requested for a date in late October or early November to enable the parties to settle down after the court’s forthcoming vacation and the International Bar Association conference would have been over, also informed the court that Dokpesi recently returned from a medical trip abroad and would be returning in October.

Justice Tsoho adjourned till October 19 for commencement of trial.

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