Stop delaying trial, judge tells CCT chairman Danladi Umar’s aide

– A Federal Capital Territory High Court judge has lambasted a personal assistant to the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal Danladi Umar

– The judge accused Umar’s assistant of delaying a criminal trial against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

– The accused person is facing a criminal trial of N10 million bribery allegation against him

An Abuja High Court judge on Thursday, October 20, lambasted a personal assistant to the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal Danladi Umar.

Justice Chizobia Oji accused Ali Abdullahi of delaying the criminal trial brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Abdullahi is facing trial for a N10 million bribery allegation against him.

Since June, Oji had ordered the defence team to file and serve the EFCC a written address on a trial within trial.

However, counsel to defendant Francis Attai who was absent in court sent a message informing the court that the address was yet to be filed.

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Attai said he was involved in motorcycle accident on his way to the court and was receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital and had not prepared his written address since four months ago.

But in his objection, counsel to EFCC, Andrew Akoja said the excuse given by the defence counsel is untenable.

He also said the defence has failed to cogent and verifiable reasons to the court to ask for an adjournment.

Having listened to the applications and objection, the judge, said the court would give the defendant one last chance to file his address.

Justice Oji said this would eliminate any allegation of fair hearing against the court.

“I am surprised to hear the excuse of the defendant that the written address ordered since June 14 was not ready,” Oji said.

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“But in the interest of Justice and to avoid allegation of denial of fair hearing, I will give him the last chance”.

“And let it be stated here that this court will not extend the time to file the address beyond November 2 this year, with a laptop, a counsel can write an address of submission at any time.

“Before you know it, they will file motions quoting Supreme Court authorities to make a case of denial of fair hearing against this court. I do not want that, so I will give the defendant another opportunity and I hope he will not take this court for granted,” the judge added.

Issue arose on the matter when witnesses called for the trial were arraigned for giving false information during their testimony.

This led to an order of a trial within trial made by justice Oji.

Abdullahi had on June 14, told the court that the chairman CCT met severally in his chamber with an accused person, Rasheed Owolabi, a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service.

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Ali while giving testimony disputed a statement he made to the EFCC in respect of N10m bribe allegedly demanded by the CCT Chairman from the accused person in order to strike out the charges against him.

Oji further ordered a trial for the witness for giving false testimony before the court.

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