A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, threatened to strike out a N2.9 billion money laundering charges filed against Senator Rochas Okorocha by the Federal Government.
The trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, threatened to throw out the case following the inability of the Federal Government to effect service of the charges on Okorocha as required by law.
For the second time, the Federal Government through its counsel, Mr Cosmos Ugwu, told Justice Ekwo that he has not been able to see Okorocha and serve him with the charges.
The counsel, who told the court that he would continue in his efforts to serve the former Imo state governor with the court papers, applied for another adjournment to enable him to do everything within his power to serve the court papers in line with the provisions of the law.
However, his excuse for not serving charges on Okorocha did not go down well with the Judge who reminded him that the same story played out on February 22, 2022, when the defendant ought to have taken his plea.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
- Bandits Storm Kaduna Airport, Stop Aircraft From Taking Off
- Lagos Socialite Who Distributed Petrol As Souvenir Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment, Gets Fine Option
Justice Ekwo said categorically that he was not going to continue to take flimsy excuses from the lawyer and would not help him to do his job.
In a short ruling, the Judge granted the request for the second adjournment and warned the government’s lawyer to demonstrate seriousness or else, the case would be struck out.
“Let me place on record, that this is the second time this flimsy excuse is being made to justify the absence of the 1st defendant (Okorocha) in court to take his plea.
“As the prosecutor, you must demonstrate seriousness in the discharge of your duties. This is the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter.
“If on the adjourned date, you come up with the same flimsy excuses, I shall have no option than to strike out the charges,” the Judge warned and slated May 30, 2022, for the prosecution to put his house in order to enable Okorocha to take his plea.
Okorocha who is currently a Senator, representing Imo West Senatorial District in the Senate, is to face trial alongside six others in the N2.9 billion money laundering charges.
The senator is being put on trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 17-count charge, bordering on diversion of funds and properties belonging to Imo State.
How Workplace Sexual Harassment Forces Many Out Of Their Dream Jobs
Court threatens to strike out FG’s N2.9bn corruption charges against Okorocha
Marburg Virus: What You Need To Know About Disease Recently Detected In West Africa
Court threatens to strike out FG’s N2.9bn corruption charges against Okorocha
and then