Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Monday, fixed June 24, 2013 for the re-arraignment of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, over allegations of money laundering.
When the case was mentioned, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, counsel for the Speaker, informed the court that his client had not been served and this was why he was absent in court.
In his reply, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Godwin Obla, agreed and promised the court to serve the respondent within the shortest date.
It will be recalled that Justice Okechukwu Okeke had adjourned indefinitely the trial of the Speaker on allegations of money laundering.
Okeke, before adjourning the case indefinitely, had expressed his displeasure at the delay in the matter on the part of the prosecution, adding that the EFCC had on several occasions, deliberately stalled hearing in the case.
“This matter has suffered series of adjournments all at the instance of prosecution.
“It is a deliberate attempt by prosecution to disrupt hearing in the case and blackmail this court.”
“I, hereby, adjourn this case sine die (indefinitely). Whenever the prosecution is ready to diligently handle their case, hearing notices will be issued,” Okeke ordered.
Ikuforiji was charged alongside his personal assistant, Alade Atoyebi, on a 20-count charge of money laundering.
The accused were alleged to have conspired between April 2010 and July 2011, to commit an illegal act.
Leave a Reply