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| Sen Jang |
JUST IN: JANG VS FRN: EFCC FAILS TO BRING
WITNESSES TO COURT, CITES INSECURITY
By
Udanta Ugante,
July
17, 2018
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) fails to bring its witnesses to court today for the case between the
Federal Republic of Nigeria and Senator Jonah David Jang, Senator Representing
Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and one, Yakubu Pam,
a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to Plateau State Government.
Senator Jang is standing trial before Justice
Daniel Longji of High Court 4 sitting in Jos in a matter bordering on alleged
corruption and embezzlement of funds to the tune of N6.3 billion. When the case
file was called this morning, prosecution counsel, Henry O. Ejiga told the
court that the matter was slated for hearing. He however said that the EFCC was
constrained by the security situation and in the circumstances; it was
difficult for the agency to convey its witnesses to the jurisdiction of the
court.
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| Robert Clarke (SAN) (L) Chief Odey in courtroom this morning |
Prosecution counsel further said that they
hold the court in high esteem adding that even the court has also taken
judicial notice of Protestants around the vicinity of the court during previous
sittings.
In the circumstances, prosecution counsel
asked for an adjournment and further asked the court to vacate subsequent dates
subject to its convenience.
Responding, counsel for the defence, Robert
Clarke (SAN) said criminal trials are enjoined by the law to be fast and speedy
because of the presumption that the accused is innocent. He said that the
accused should not be treated as criminals further stressing that justice
delayed is justice denied.
Counsel also expressed surprise over the
reason advanced by the prosecution counsel as the basis for seeking for an
adjournment. He said that it is the EFCC that has control of arms and
ammunition adding that it was shameful and an indictment on the current
government that an agency like the EFCC could not bring witnesses to court as a
result of insecurity. Defence counsel reluctantly agreed to adjournment by
urging the court to have an affirmative reason that next adjournment would not
be jettisoned.
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| Cross section of Lawyers in courtroom this morning |
Justice Daniel Longji in his comment also
expressed disenchantment on the reason advanced by defence counsel for
adjournment stating “Let’s not allow technicality to overcome righteousness.” Justice
further reiterated his earlier position that he was neither for the accused nor
the Federal Republic of Nigeria but a servant of God holding a sword for justice
The matter was adjourned to 30th,
31st of October and 1st November, 2018 for definite
hearing.
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