The absence of the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs in court on Monday stalled the resumption of the trial of the former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel.
The former governor is currently standing trial before Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of an Ogun State High Court on a 38-count of alleged stealing, false declaration of assets and fraudulent conversion of lands leveled against him by the EFCC.
Justice Mabekoje had on June 29, 2012, adjourned the case to today for continuation of hearing following the inability of the EFCC to produce two other witnesses.
At the resumed trial, Tayo Olukotun, one of the prosecution counsels informed the court that Mr Jacobs was “unavoidably absent”.
He told the court that the defense counsel had a prior knowledge of the development.
Olukotun therefore prayed the court to adjourn the case till Thursday, 12 July 2012.
Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon (SAN), a defense counsel, confirmed foreknowledge of Rotimi’s absence, explaining that it was on personal and professional ground.
Akinlawon who did not oppose the adjournment, however, opined that the prosecution ought to have informed the court before today in line with best legal practices.
The presiding judge thereafter adjourned the case till July 12th 2012 for commencement of hearing on the case.
