The schedule continuation of trial by a Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja of the embattled former Central Bank (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was stalled over additional proof of evidence served by the prosecution team.
Emefiele’s was charged alongside Henry Omoile over allegation of $4.5b and N2.8b fraud brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The trial Justice Rahman Oshodi, yesterday, however adjourned continuation of trial to May 9, 2024 sequel to arguments by the defendants counsel over additional proof of evidence served on them by the prosecution team.
At the resumed proceeding, the prosecution team led by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) told the court that the second prosecution witness was in court for the continuation of cross-examination, and that he had served defence the statement of one Mr John Adetola, as an additional proof of evidence.
The first defendant’s (Emefiele) counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) argued that Emefiele had not seen the documents served on them by the prosecution, noting that justice rushed is justice crushed.
Ojo said he was constraint to ask the court to do justice, noting that the proof must be served early enough.
“The law is so pedestrian that the cross examination of witness is not limited or confined to documents of witness alone. In the spirit of fair play, Emefiele is entitle to have a look at a bully documents of over 60 pages served on us this morning.
“If it was filed yesterday, we could have burn candle to go through it. The defendant has not seen it. Defence may find anything useful in the additional proof of evidence to cross-examine the witness in the box. I humbly urge the court to adjourn this matter so that I can thoroughly go through it and study it.”
The second defence counsel, Mr Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN) also aligned himself with the submission of the first defence counsel.
He therefore urged the court to adjourn the case in the interest of justice and adequate opportunity to study the additional proof of evidence. He also urged court not to entertain ‘trial by ambush’ and put a stop to it.
But the prosecution counsel, Oyedepo vehemently objected to the request for an adjournment by the defendants.
However, in his ruling, Justice Oshodi said he had considered the submissions of both parties and he was satisfied with the reasons given by defence for adjournment.
“For the adjournment sought, I grant it.I adjourn to May 9, 2024 for continuation of trial.”
