Defense’s Counsel Absence Stalls Offa Robbery Trial

Eniola Olayemi

Absence of defence counsel, Mathias Emeribe on Tuesday stalled the continuation of hearing of the Offa robbery suspects at the Kwara state High Court sitting in Ilorin.

The case had been adjourned to February 19th and 20th for continuation of examination of witnesses by prosecution.

All the accused persons, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salaudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran were in court on Tuesday.

Prosecution counsel, Prof Wahab Egbewole informed the court that Mr. Emeribe called and sent text message to him on what he described as “life threatening experience on the road” and suggested adjournment, which the court reluctantly agreed with.

Presiding judge, Justice Halima Saleeman expressed disappointment over the absence of the defence counsel in court.

She said that the prosecution counsel should have asked for details of the “life threatening experience” of the defence counsel.

“Does it mean that he won’t step out of his room till after the national elections? I can’t fathom this excuse and explanation, for someone to sit in the comfort of his house and be sending text messages. This court is only interested in timely dispensation of the matter and any delay could put the court in jeopardy”, she said.

Justice Saleeman thereafter adjourned hearing on the matter till March 14 and 15, 2019.

Speaking with reporters after the court sitting, Prof Egbewole said that the defence counsel called him on Sunday and also sent a text message to him on Tuesday that he could not be in court on Wednesday and suggested a date after the national elections.

He said “this is just to show on the part of the prosecution that we’ve arranged our witnesses because we have them here from Plateau and Zamfara states, to ensure that the matter proceeds. But here we are.”