News
JUST IN: Despite Absence Of Lawyer, Defendant, Maina’s Trial Continues
The trial of ex-chairman of the Pension Reform Tasks Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina continued on Tuesday before a Federal High Court in Abuja despite his absence and not being represented by any lawyer.
Maina is being tried with a firm – Common Input Property and Investment Limited – by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering about N2billion.
On the previous day, the court ordered the remand of Maina’s surety, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume in prison pending when he is either able to produce Maina (who is believed to have jumped bail) or pay a bail bond of N500million into Federal Government’s account and produce a receipt), and adjourned till Tuesday for continuation of trial.
ALSO READ: Timipre Sylva Says Nigerians Should Be Proud Of Fuel Imports From Niger Republic
At the resumption of proceedings on Tuesday, neither Francis Oronsaye (who represented Maina on November 23, 2020) nor A. Adedipe (who, the court noted, last appeared in the case for the second defendant) was in court.
Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling, noted that both defence lawyers stayed away from court without any reason, and elected to proceed with the trial.
Justice Abang said the defence lawyers have chosen to abandon proceedings without any reasons and should have themselves to blame for their action.
He agreed with the prosecution that the normal business of the day should be allowed to proceed.
Lead prosecuting lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar has called three witnesses for the day.
The first witness of the day, PW6 was to be cross examined by the defence lawyers, but had to be discharged, the judge having held that the defence lawyers failed to utilise the opportunity granted by the court for them to cross-examine the witness.
He called two others, who he led in evidence, tendered documents through them and were also discharged because the court found that the defence lawyers made themselves unavailable to cross-examine the witnesses
NATION
Raining Direct Curses On Someone Online Is Cyberbullying, Criminal Offence –FPRO
Omo-Agege Predicts Collapse Of Delta PDP Ahead 2027
Personnel Welfare: Police Unveils NPF Insurance Company Limited To Serve Officers, Public
Middle-Aged Man Allegedly Flees With Nephew’s GLK Mercedes Benz In Delta, Remains Incommunicado
Oyo Police Arrest Eight Over Ibadan Children Funfair Tragedy
Court Blocks Governor Adeleke From Appointing New Owa-Obokun Of Ijesa Land
DG NEMA Urges ALGON To Establish LEMCs
Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, Shehu Sani Make Tinubu’s Ambassadorial List
DELSU Lecturer, Akarah, Escapes Assassination
DELSU VC Selection Process Was Transparent –Professor Asagba
Multiple Blows To A Reactive North: Emilokan Na Your Mate?
Ogwashi-Uku: Commission Of Inquiry Concludes Sitting Amid Unfounded Claims Against Obi
Insecurity: Abraka Women Stage ‘DPO Must Go Protest’, Close Shops
“We Must Maintain Our Premiere Status:” Professor Asagba Outlines His Vision For DELSU
-
Crime22 hours agoAlleged N110.4Billion Money Laundering: Yahaya Bello Begs Court: Spare Me Landed Property In Maitama For Bail
-
Crime18 hours agoCourt Orders Final Forfeiture Of Warehouse, Containers Linked To Godwin Emefiele
-
News22 hours agoDelta: Ban On Fireworks, Other Pyrotechnics During The Yuletide Still In Force –CP
-
News20 hours agoDangote Reduces PMS Price To N899.50k
-
News22 hours agoOborevwori Greets Uvwie Monarch, Sideso At 81