We are not ready for Fayose’s trial yet, EFCC counsel tells court
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) surprised the court today, as its counsel, Mr. S. A. Obafemi, said they were yet to receive briefings as to the ways to go since the trial of immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, was transferred from Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, to Justice Chukwujekwu Joseph Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The EFCC counsel, who opposed the re-arraignment of Fayose by reading the charges preferred against him, said; “Since the matter was transferred, we are yet to hear from the EFCC on the way forward. We apologise to the court. That is the predicament we found ourselves. At this point, we ourselves, we are handicapped as to the way forward in this matter. We urge the court to give us another date for the defendants to be arraign properly. While giving further reasons the matter should be adjourned, the EFCC counsel said “information we gathered is to the effect that the 1st defendant is still being investigated for further matters. The leading counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) has not been directed on the ways to go, that’s why he is not in court today. Justice Aneke however responded; “So I will just be here, waiting for EFCC to give directive when the matter is already before me? I don’t take directive from EFCC.
In his response, Counsel to Fayose, Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN), said “We are taken aback that the prosecution is now saying it is not ready and in the interest of justice, these defendants cannot be on trial perpetually. Olanipekun said the EFCC, which he described as nominal complainant in the matter, started investigating this case before the expiration of Fayose’s tenure as governor. Their activities were so disturbing of the official functions of the defendant that he had to write the EFCC that he will make himself available the very day he leaves office, and he so did,” he pointed out. He added that the EFCC had not given any cogent reason why the trial should not go on. Counsel to the second defendant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) wondered why defendants who have been charged to court will have their arraignment postponed because other cases are being investigated. This is absurd. These alleged new cases were being investigated before they was arraigned before Hon. Justice Olatoregun. If it was competent for the defendants to be arraigned then, what stops it now?
The judge however adjourned the matter till July 2, 2019, citing the interest of justice, considering the non presence of EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs.