Court Warns Prosecution Counsels Over Delay, Adjournment Of Cases

Justice Olufumilola Agbaje of the Federal High Court Asaba has warned prosecution counsels to always do everything possible to avoid unnecessary adjournments of cases.

She stated this yesterday when adjourning to the 5th and 6th of November, 2024, a case between the inspector general of police (IGP) and Francis Okolie and three others in Asaba.
The trial judge observed it was the fourth time the case was being adjourned at the instance of the prosecution to file a counter affidavit.

The defendants are facing a three-count charge of terrorism, attempted murder and malicious damage.
The adjournment was sequel to the inability of the prosecution counsel to file a counter affidavit opposing the bail application filed by the defence counsel.

The prosecution counsel, Idika Kalu, Esq, had told the trial judge that he had yet to file the counter affidavit and pleaded for more time to enable him to do so.

The counsels to the 1st defendant, Efe Akpofure, SAN, 2nd defendant, Albert Akpomudje, SAN, 3rd defendant, Prof Oludayo Amokaye, SAN, represented by Fikayo Hughes, SAN, and 4th defendant, Riky Tafar, SAN, did not object to the application for adjournment.

The defendants in the suit with file number FHC/ASB/18C/24 are the National Legal Adviser of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (worldwide) Barr Francis Okolie, Prince Eugene Ojo Izediunor, John Nwona, who is the Agidiase Community Youth President and the Secretary General of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association, Adigwe Eluemunor.