Bala Mohammed”s trial stalled over death of counsel’s brother

The trial of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, before an FCT High Court in Gudu has been stalled due to the death of his counsel’s younger brother. Bala himself was absent in court on Wednesday at the resumed hearing due to ill-health as he was said to be battling […]

The trial of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, before an FCT High Court in Gudu has been stalled due to the death of his counsel’s younger brother.

Bala himself was absent in court on Wednesday at the resumed hearing due to ill-health as he was said to be battling with stomach problem due to food poison.

Barrister Nbani Tula, who held brief for Bala’s lead counsel Chief Chris Uche (SAN) told the court that the lead counsel was bereaved as he lost his younger brother, adding that the defendant was absent in court due to stomach problem he had as a result of food poison.

He applied for adjournment of the matter based on a letter sent to the court by the lead counsel.

Responding to the request for adjournment, the prosecution counsel, Ben Ikani, expressed disappointment with the development but told the court that he would concede to the request.

Justice Talba Abubakar thereafter adjourned the matter to December 4.

Mohammed was arraigned on May 10 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge bordering on abuse of office, false declaration of assets and fraud to the tune of N864million.