Justice Sylvester Ngwuta
The criminal trial of Justice Sylvester Ngwuta by the Federal High Court, Abuja was on Wednesday stalled on allegation of untimely service of ‘trial processes’ on the defence team.
Justice Sylvester Ngwuta
The defence lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had filed an oral motion seeking adjournment in order to avail him of documentary evidence brought against Ngwuta.
The presiding judge, Justice John Tsoho held that the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act allowed five adjournments on instances of parties.
“The defence team is obliged time to use this period to study the charges, evidence and all other document related to the case.”
“The trial is adjourned to run between Jan.18 and Jan. 23’’.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Philips Adeogun, opposed the application, as according to him, the defence’s team was served all relevant processes required to kick start the trial.
He said, “It was based on the assurance that we had satisfied our obligations that we brought our witnesses to court.
“Indeed, we are taken aback that the defendant counsel would move this retrogressive motion. We pray the court to dismiss it.
Ngwuta was on November 21, 2016 arraigned before the court on a 16-count charge including alleged money laundering and judicial misconduct.
