Armsgate: Bafarawa, son’s trial resumes Dec 6

A full blown trial of the former Governor of Sokoto state, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir and his company, before Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf of a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, begins December 6.
Bafarawa, his son and company, Dalhatu Investment Limited alongside former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda are standing trial on a 22-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and fraudulent diversion of public fund amounting to N19.4 billion.
The trio lost a bid seeking the separation of their trial from the joint fraud trial involving, Sambo Dasuki.
Consequently, the trial judge fixed, December 6 and 7, for commencement of proper trial.
Arguing their application on the separation of the trial from the former NSA boss, the trio posited that the joint trial has been oppressive because the case is not moving since their first arraignment in 2015.
They submitted that Dasuki’s absence several times has stalled the trial, adding that the prosecution is helpless in the situation.
They premised their application on Section 36 of the Constitution that provides that a defendant is entitled to fair hearing within reasonable time, adding that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) guarantees speedy trial.
However, in his ruling, the trial judge, held that the application has already been overtaken by event since Dasuki was present in court the previous day and it would be preemptive to suggest that he would further miss his trial.
“It is the view of the court that the only reason given for the application was the absent of the 2nd defendant (Dasuki) in court, and that has been overtaken by events. Those with the power to produce him have already produced him and we will hope they will continue to produce him,” he held.
At the instance of the prosecution counsel, the judge adjourned till Wednesday, Dec. 6 and 7 for definite trial.