The absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor on Monday stalled the trial of activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
The lawyer was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly dealing in a seized property.
The commission, in a January 26 letter to the court’s Registrar, sought an adjournment because its prosecution counsel, I. A. Mohammed, was before another judge of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja for the trial of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.
“In the circumstance, we crave the Honourable Court’s indulgence to vacate 30th January, 2017 and have the matter adjourned to the already pre-fixed dates of 31st day of January, 2017. We regret any inconveniences this application may cause the Honourable Court and the defendant’s counsel,” EFCC wrote.
It was learnt that contrary to reports that the judge was absent, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo was in court and ready to take the case before travelling for another assignment outside Lagos.
Adegboruwa was charged under Section 32 (1) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 which provides that “any person who, without due authorisation by the Commission, deals with, sells or otherwise disposes of any property or assets which is the subject of an attachment, interim order or final order, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of five years without the option of a fine.”