Saraki And Ekweremadu’s Trial Adjourned

THE trial of the Senate president Bukola Saraki, his deputy Ike Ekweremadu and three others was today, September 28 stalled due to federal government’s unpreparedness.
The judge over the matter, Yusuf Halilu after listening to arguments and submissions from counsels from all parties adjourned the matter to Friday, October 7.
At the hearing, after counsel to FG Aliyu Umar said he not prepared for the matter, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, counsel to the chief clerk of the National Assembly Salisu Maikasuwa, objected the call for an adjournment by the prosecution.
Ezechukwu said there was no need for an adjournment because the matter has been already scheduled for hearing today.
Also, Mahmud Magaji, counsel to the former deputy chief clerk Benedict Efeturi also objected to the adjournment.
“The act of prosecution is serious business, especially a criminal charge. The office of the attorney-general which is the chief prosecuting counsel was served months ago. They had all the opportunities to respond to our applications,” Magaji said.
“I urge your lordship not to allow us to descent to the internal working of the prosecution. In view of this, I’m objecting to the application for adjournment.”
Also, Paul Erokoro, counsel to Saraki, said that the application had no merit.
“On behalf of the third defendant I submit that the application has no merit. If the attorney-general has not deemed it fit to pass the entire case file to the counsel, then we should be allowed to move our motion. We are ready to proceed,” Enokoro said.
He said the defense team is ready for trial.