Absence of EFCC Counsel Stalls Ajumogobia, Obla’s Corruption Trial

The ongoing trial of a Federal High Court judge, Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Godwin Obla, before an Ikeja High Court over alleged gratification and unlawful enrichment was yesterday stalled due to the absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo.

Oyedepo was said to be before the Court of Appeal.

The trial judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, however adjourned the matter till April 10 further hearing.

The EFCC had charged the duo to court on a 30-count charge, bordering on perversion of the course of justice, graft, unlawful enrichment, providing false information to EFCC and forgery.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Obla’s counsel, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), expressed disappointment in the absence of the EFCC prosecutor, adding that the defence was not served with the letter explaining his absence.

“My Lord, we came her this morning to be confronted with a letter from the prosecution, stating that he could not be present in court because he is presently before the Court of Appeal. I am surprised that the prosecution did not deem it fit to serve the defense with a copy of the letter.

“There are things I would like to say, but I would reserve my comments until the prosecution is present in court at the next adjourned date,”Adedipe said, adding that they had two urgent and pending applications that were ripe for hearing,” Adedipe said.

Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN), counsel to Ajumogobia also aligned himself with the 2nd defendant’s counsel, while also asking for a short adjournment.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter till April 10 for hearing of the pending applications.

The House Committee on Basic Education and Services yesterday resolved to put an end to the controversy over the purported extension of service of the former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, ordering her to vacate her office immediately.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, who disclosed the committee’s resolution and recommendations on the matter at the resumed hearing yesterday, also maintained