The Lagos State High Court sitting in the Igbosere area of Lagos Island has fixed April 21 for the commencement of trial in the case of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Nwobike.

Justice Raliat Adebiyi fixed the date following a request by the counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, seeking more time to produce their witnesses in proof of the charges against the senior advocate.

On March 9, the EFCC had arraigned Mr Nwobike on allegations that he gave the sum of N750,000 to Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court to influence the judge to pervert the course of justice.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on self-recognizance by the court.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Monday April 11, Counsel to Mr Nwobike, Wale Akoni (SAN) informed the court that the charges against his client were unconstitutional and he intended to make a “no case submission”.

Mr Akoni also denied the claim by the prosecution counsel that the defence had filed “a harvest of motions”. The defendant’s lawyer insisted that his client looked forward to a speedy trial so he could clear his name.

The judge adjourned the case till April 21 and 22 for the prosecution to open its case.