DSS raid: Court may throw out Justice Ademola’s case tomorrow
Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court has given indication that federal government’s charges against embattled justice of the Federal High Court, Adeniyi Ademola may be thrown out tomorrow. The judge in his ruling on an application for an adjournment sought by FG’s counsel ruled that the prosecution did not present any cogent reason […]
Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court has given indication that federal government’s charges against embattled justice of the Federal High Court, Adeniyi Ademola may be thrown out tomorrow.
The judge in his ruling on an application for an adjournment sought by FG’s counsel ruled that the prosecution did not present any cogent reason for applying for an adjournment but giving it a benefit of doubt the court adjourned trial to continue tomorrow.
He however warned the prosecution to ensure its witnesses are in court tomorrow or face the consequences. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed”, he ruled.
This ruling came after several objections by counsels to the three defendants to the application for adjournments sought for by the prosecution counsel, Barrister Segun Jegede.
Justice Ademola’s counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) said the proper thing is for the prosecution to apply for the withdrawal of the charges and declare that he is not ready with evidence for the case. "We can’t be more eager than the prosecution to present its case.
"The prosecution listed 14 witnesses, there is the IPO (Babatunde Adepoju) who investigated the matter and no one has alleged he is being threatened. There is Prince Fagboro; the exhibits keeper; the ballistician; Fatima Shaibu and none of them is said to be threatened not to give evidence. There is no reason why the individuals mentioned cannot testify in this case”, Ikpeazu submitted.
Chief Robert Clarke (SAN) representing the wife of Justice Ademola criticised the "careless" approach of prosecuting the case employed by the prosecution stating that it is in contradiction to what the present administration represents.
He said it is the cornerstone of the present administration that the dispensation of criminal justice must be done speedily and it is shocking that the FG’s counsel is working against the ideals of the Federal Government.
He said this while aligning with the submission of Ikpeazu urging the court to dismiss the case in the event that the prosecution refuses to proceed with calling of other witnesses.
"Even if a party is entitled to five applications for adjournment, each of the application must be supported by cogent reasons because in the final analysis, adjournment is at the discretion of the court”, he added.
Counsel representing Mr. Joe Agi (SAN), the third defendant, Barrister Jeph Njikonye said the liberty of the defendants is at stake. He said the dispensations of the defendants’ duties have been held in abeyance by the criminal charge.
He said the court must not allow such adjournment as the prosecution is seeking. He said it is based on the provision of Section 1(1) of ACJA that the court gave an order of accelerated hearing for the matter to be dispensed with speedily.
This came after the Federal Government had told the Court of how its star witness, Dr. Sani Shuaibu Teidi scheduled to testify against Justice Ademola today narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on his life around 2am today.