The trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose before a Federal High Court in Lagos was halted on Monday due to the absence of the 12th prosecution witness, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro.
Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, began testifying on January 31 and is still being cross-examined by the defence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Fayose for alleged fraud and money laundering.
On Oct. 22, 2018, the former governor was arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on 11 counts of fraud and money laundering.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the amount of N50 million with two sureties in the same amount on October 24, 2018.
On July 2, 2019, the defendant was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun due to the EFCC’s petition.
He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to remain on the previous bail while the case was adjourned for trial.
The commission has since presented its case to Justice Aneke and is still questioning witnesses.
When the case was called on Monday, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) announced an appearance for the prosecution, while Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) appeared for the second defendant.
Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed T. held the brief of Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN) for the first defendant.
The prosecutor, who informed the court that the case was for continuation of cross-examination of Pw12, added that he was informed by the witness’ aide that he was out of the country.
Specifically, Jacobs urged the court to grant an adjournment to the already existing dates in June.
This application for adjournment was not opposed by the defence counsel.
Ojo, second defence counsel, however, said that if “the trend continues on the next adjourned date”, he would have no choice but to make the “necessary application”.
On his part, the first defence counsel informed the court of an application seeking leave of the court for medical travel of the defendant.
He told the court that his application was dated May 5 but filed today.
The prosecutor did not oppose this application.
Justice Aneke, consequently, granted the defendant’s application to travel for medicals.
He adjourned the case to the already existing dates of June 6 and June 8 for the continuation of trial.