A Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja has postponed additional trial within the case towards Ali Bello and Suleiman Daudu to March 14, cautioning the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) to show diligence in prosecuting the case.
Justice James Omotoso, issuing the warning on Friday, emphasised the necessity for accelerated listening to and threatened to dismiss the costs towards the defendants if the prosecution fails to conduct the trial diligently.
“Get all of your witnesses and displays prepared on adjourned dates to keep away from delay,” Justice Omotoso urged the anti-graft company, highlighting his intolerance for lackadaisical attitudes from any get together concerned within the matter.
The resumption of trial is now slated for March 14, 15, 20, and 21.
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As well as, Justice Omotoso directed the defendants to withhold additional objections towards the trial, significantly through the closing handle stage.
Whereas ruling on a movement filed by Suleiman Daudu contesting the amended fees, the decide declined to dismiss the 17-count amended cost associated to alleged cash laundering.
Moreover, the courtroom rejected the plea to switch the trial of the 2 defendants to Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. Counsel for the 2nd defendant, Mr. Jimoh Nureni, SAN, argued that for the reason that alleged offense occurred in Lokoja, the trial ought to happen on the Federal Excessive Courtroom in Lokoja.
Nonetheless, Justice Omotoso maintained that the Federal Excessive Courtroom in Nigeria operates as a single entity, enabling trials to be performed in any of its divisions.