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N500m trial of former SGF Babachir Lawal stalled

By Dennis Erezi
18 June 2019   |   5:40 pm
The trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and three others could not be heard June 18, 2019 before Justice Jude Okeke of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Maitama, due to the absence of the lead defence counsel, Akin Olujimi, SAN. Lawal, his younger brother, Hamidu David Lawal,…

The trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and three others could not be heard June 18, 2019 before Justice Jude Okeke of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Maitama, due to the absence of the lead defence counsel, Akin Olujimi, SAN.

Lawal, his younger brother, Hamidu David Lawal, along with Suleiman Abubakar, Apeh John Monday and two companies, Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended 10-count charge, bordering on fraud, diversion of funds and criminal conspiracy to the tune of over N500 million.

Temitope Adeyemi, who held brief for Chief Olujimi, SAN, asked the court for an adjournment, following Olujimi’s illness and absence.

Adeyemi said: “The lead counsel in this matter is still indisposed as he had earlier told the court and has asked that I apologize for his absence in court and also ask for an adjournment to enable him be present in court.”

The prosecution counsel told the court that he was informed of the lead defence counsel’s illness and therefore will not oppose the application.

The judge noted that there was no document in support of the adjournment application to show that the lead counsel was indisposed, but that he was disposed to giving the “learned silk” the benefit of the doubt.

He adjourned the matter to July 4, 2019, noting that today’s adjournment was the second on the trot, given to the first defendant’s lead counsel.

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