Daniel's Trial Postponed Over Absence Of Prosecuting EFCC Counsel

ABEOKUTA, July 09, (THEWILL) – Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of a High Court sitting in Ogun State on Monday postponed the trial of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, after the absence Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, the lead prosecution counsel, meant it could not hold as scheduled.

This is the second consecutive adjournment to the case of the erstwhile two-term governor, who is standing trial on a 38-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On 29th June, the prosecution team failed to produce two of its witnesses who had complained three weeks earlier that their time had been wasted at the court, forcing the judge to adjourn continuation of the trial to Monday, 9th July.

When the trial resumed on Monday, Mr. Tayo Olutokun, a member of the prosecution team, informed the court of Jacobs’ unavoidable absence, claiming that the defence team had been previously notified. He begged the court for a three-day adjournment.

Member of the defence counsel, Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon confirmed to have been earlier notified of the lead prosecuting counsel’s absence, which was basically occasioned by personal and professional circumstances. But she wondered why the prosecuting team had not deemed it appropriate to equally duly notify the court.

Mabekoje granted Olukotun’s plea and adjourned the case till Thursday for further hearing.