The absence of prosecuting witness at the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday stalled the trial of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi FaniKayode. Fani-Kayode was docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a five count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust.
The prosecutor, Ashibi Anedu, told the court that the matter was for continuation of trial, but unfortunately the witness was absent. According to her, the witness, Francis Abu, was with them on Monday, but just when they were about to start the pre-trial, the “man excused himself and went out.” Anebu added the investigator and her made frantic efforts to reach him on phone thereafter to no avail as his phone could not be reached. The prosecutor therefore made an application pursuant to Section 241 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, for a witness summons to be officially served on the witness.
“We humbly apologise that the matter cannot go on today. May the court grant our application,” she said. The defence counsel, Victor Okwudiri, did not oppose the application for adjournment. Justice John Tsoho asked the prosecution to furnish the court with the name and address of the witness, and ordered that a witness summons be served on him. Tsoho adjourned the matter till September 24 for continuation of trial. Fani-Kayode it would be recalled was arraigned by the EFCC on a fi ve-count charge bordering on money laundering.
The ex-aviation minister was accused of collecting N26 million from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and using same for media campaign, contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering Act. He pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in like sum.