9th July, 2012
The trial of former governor of Ogun, Chief Gbenga Daniel was on Monday stalled by the absence of Mr Rotimi Jacobs, the lead prosecution counsel.
Daniel is currently standing trials before Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of an Ogun State High Court on a 38-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mabekoje had on June 29 at the last sitting, adjourned the case to Monday for continuation of trial following the inability of the prosecution to bring up two of its witnesses.
Rotimi had apologised to the court for the absence of the two witnesses, who according to him, left the court in anger on June 5, complaining that “their time was being wasted’’.
At the resumed trial on Monday, Mr Tayo Olukotun, one of the prosecution counsels informed the court that Jacobs was unavoidably absent.
He, however, told the court that the defence had a prior knowledge of the development.
Olukotun,therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the case till Thursday.
Mrs Titilola Akinlawon, a defence counsel, confirmed foreknowledge of Rotimi’s absence, explaining that it was on personal and professional ground.
Akinlawon, who did not oppose the adjournment, however, said that the prosecution ought to have informed the court before Monday in line with the best practices.
Mabekoje adjourned the case till Thursday for continuation of trial.