Justice Joyce Abdulmaleek of the Federal High Court, Ibadan yesterday adjourned till March 27 the N8billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) currency scam trial.
This followed the absence of a defence counsel, Olayinka Bolanle, who represents the first accused, Kolawole Babalola.
The judge held that it was the last time she would adjourn the case at Bolanle’s instance.
The counsel to the other accused– Muniru Olaniran, Kayode Togun, Olukunle Sijuwade and Kehinde Fatokun – were always in court.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Adebisi Adeniyi expressed his frustration at the slow pace of trial.
The prosecution, however, prayed the court to continue the trial with or without Bolanle since he did not give any reason for his absence.
The accused have been standing trial for multiple charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery, stealing and recirculation of mutilated currencies at CBN Ibadan branch since 2015.
Counsel’s absence stalls N8b CBN scam trial
