The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has threatened to strike out a N6 billion suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Taiwo Osipitan’s wife, Cecilia.
While adjourning the trial until April (5-7), the judge warned EFCC: “If you fail to show seriousness on the next date of trial, I will strike the charge out.”
Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning following the late filing of documents needed to commence Mrs Osipitan’s trial by counsel to the EFCC, Chris Mshelia.
Mrs Osipitan and her company, PJO Ventures Limited, were sued in a nine-count money laundering charge to the tune of N6 billion by the anti-graft agency. Arraigned on March 26, 2021, she was admitted to N200 million bail alongside the company.
At the resumed trial, the EFCC lawyer said though the matter was slated for trial commencement and a witness was in court, he informed that additional proof of evidence and an additional list of witnesses had just been filed the previous day.
“Is it going to affect today’s trial,” the judge asked. Yes, some of the documents are part of today’s proceeding,” said Mr Mshelia.
The judge, who recalled that the last proceeding was on July 13, 2021, expressed surprise that the lawyer only came to file his documents a day before sitting.
“From July 13, 2021, till January 2022, you have only been able to file your additional particulars of charge a day before trial and expect that it be used on the day of trial?” stated the judge.
He added, “You want the defendant to stand trial on a document that you filed yesterday?”
Mr Mshelia then apologised for filing the documents late.
(NAN)