The trial of former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa was stalled yesterday due to the absence of Justice Bello Abbas of the Sokoto State High Court.
Bafarawa is facing a 33-count charge of corruption, illegal sale of government shares, misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property and unauthorised payments.
He allegedly committed the acts between 2003 and 2007 and he was sued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Abbas, on May 8, fixed July 4 for judgment in the nine-year-old legal battle.
However counsel to the parties were told that the judge was out of the state on an official assignment.
They subsequently agreed to return to court on July 31 for judgment.
Also being prosecuted with Bafarawa are Beedash Nigeria Ltd; Nasdalbap Nigeria Ltd; Nasiru Bafarawa and Salihu Maibuhu-Gummi.
Both lawyers adopted their written addresses before the last adjournment.
At the hearing on May 8, defence lawyer Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) argued that the complainant had not provided any evidence in respect of 11 of the charges against his client to warrant conviction.
He contended that the law requires that evidence in criminal offences must be clear and beyond reasonable doubt.
Fagbemi prayed the court to regard Bafarawa as “an honest complainant turned accused” in view of the fact that he first reported the case to EFCC in 2006.
He urged the court to discharge and acquit the accused on the ground that the prosecution had not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
EFCC’s lead counsel, Chief Jacob Ochidi, prayed the court to consider the evidences provided and convict Bafarawa accordingly.
The court earlier discharged and acquitted Munti Trade Global Concept and Bashir Mamman-Nasarawa, who were among those joined in the original suit.