A Federal
High Court sitting in Lagos
on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 adjourned indefinitely the trial of the Speaker, Lagos State House of
Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji. Justice Okechukwu Okeke, in a short ruling,
said that he was transferring the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal
High Court for re-assignment to another judge.
The trial judge
had previously refused the request by the EFCC that he transfer the case to the Chief Judge
for reassignment to another judge in view of the imminent retirement of
his Lordship from the bench. Justice Okeke is due to exit the bench in May.
Counsel to EFCC, Godwin Obla had argued that it would be impossible for the
judge to
conclude the case before he exits the bench.
conclude the case before he exits the bench.
But rather than
withdraw from the trial, Justice Okeke promised accelerated hearing. He
consequently chose 13 consecutive days for him to sit on the trial.
consequently chose 13 consecutive days for him to sit on the trial.
At the last court
session, Obla wrote to the court indicating his desire to withdraw from the
case. In the letter dated April 5, 2013 he noted that the manner the
court fixed dates for the trial would deny him the opportunity to diligently
prosecute the case.
Ikuforiji and his aide are expected to be
re-arraigned when a new judge takes over the case.
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