The trial of Justice Adeniyi Ademola continued yesterday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court with the tendering of a petition written to the National Judicial Council (NJC) on alleged bribery demand by the judge.

The petitioner, Fatima Sani Teidi and wife of former Director in Pensions Account Office, Head of Civil Service of the Federation and one of the prosecution witnesses, Sani Shuaibu Teidi, had accused the judge of demanding N25 million bribe from his husband to grant him favour in a criminal case presided over by him.

Justice Ademola, wife, Olubowale and Joe Agi (SAN) are standing trial on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged gratification.At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Director, Administration, NJC, Eugene Odukwu tendered a copy of the petition as well as the certified true copy (CTC) of the investigative panel proceedings and its findings which cleared the judge.

Odukwu is fourth of the 14 witnesses that the prosecutiing counsel, Segun Jegede, intended to call to prove his case.Earlier, the third witness, Ojima Etuh, told the court in her evidence-in-chief that she knew Joe Agi (SAN) as Justice Ademola’s personal lawyer.

Led by Jegede, the Research Assistant with the Federal High Court said she had carried out unofficial duties for Justice Ademola.In the cross-examination led by counsel to the first, second and the third defendants – Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Chief Roberts Clarke and Jeph Njikonye – the witness admitted that Justice Ademola had once thrown out a matter brought before him by Agi over his governorship ambition.

She also admitted that in cases involving Agi as a counsel, Justice Ademola always announced that parties were free to request for transfer.Etuh confirmed that the petition in question was dismissed by the NJC thus clearing Justice Ademola of the allegation.

Attempt to call Prosecution Witness (PW) 6 was however opposed by the defense counsel on the ground that his summary of witness statement was not before the court.After listening to the parties in the matter, Justice Jude Okeke adjourned till January 30, 31 and February 1 for ruling on the PW 6 and for continuation of trial.