BY AYO ESAN
JUSTICE A.B. Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Minna, Niger State, on Monday, adjourned till January 18 and 19, 2021, for continued trial of a former Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, and his then Chief of Staff, Umar Gado Nasko.
Their trial could not hold on Monday as it was noted that the representative of Nasko’s counsel, Mamman Mike Osman, had on Thursday, November 19, 2020, filed an application for adjournment based on Osman’s ill health, which he served on the prosecution and first defence counsel.
Though the counsel disclosed that he was in possession of Osman’s medical report, he declined reading it in court, stating that it was confidential.
Prosecution counsel, G.O Adebola, objected to the application, noting that it was “bereft of reasons why adjournment has to be granted,” especially as he said the prosecution went to a great length to bring witnesses from Abuja and Port Harcourt and other places to the court.
He noted further that the defence was wasting the time of the court and that of the defendants.
Aliyu’s counsel, Musa Sulaiman, however, supported the application, saying he was not aware of any human being that is immune to sickness.
Justice Aliyu ruled the matter in favour of the defence lawyer.
Aliyu and Nasko are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on amended three-count charges of breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N2billion.
Though the matter was struck out on June 19, 2020, it was relisted on Tuesday, 27 October, and adjourned till Monday for hearing.
