How EFCC Failed To Bring Its Witnesses To Prosecute Sen. Jang Over Alleged Security Concerns, As Court Warns Jang Over Lateness
Yakubu Busari
A presiding Judge, Justice Daniel Longji of the Plateau State High Court yesterday issued warning to former Governor Jonah David Jang for his in ability to arrive court within the time frame on Tuesday 17th July, 2017.
Justice Longji also adjourned the case for indefinite hearing in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC , challenging senator Jang and Yusuf Gyang over money laundering ,diversion and lack of trust .
It would be recalled that former Governor Jonah David Jang and Yusuf Gyang were paraded for alleged money laundering.
The judge earlier warned Jang and Gyang that the court sit before 9am, as he said; “I am not supposed sit down while you come late please take note.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to bring its witnesses to the Court, due to what it termed security concerns.
EFCC’s council Henry Ejiga, told the court that they couldn’t bring the witnesses due to supposed insecurity in the state.
While responding to the EFCC’s reason, the counsel to Sen. Jang, Robert Clarke (SAN), leading Chief Ozekhome (SAN), Chief S. G. Odey, S. Oyawole and other 11 lawyers, frowned at the application.
Robert Clarke (SAN) said he wonders how an institution like the EFCC which is control of arms and ammunition would be crying out about insecurity, when they, as counsels, have traveled all the way to Jos, Plateau State without security attached to them.
He , “Criminal trials are supposed to be fast and speedy because of the presumption that we are still innocent and should not be treated as criminals.
“It is surprising that the reason been given by the EFCC prosecuting counsel is because of insecurity in Plateau State.
“If the witnesses cannot be before the court, why are they in the custody of the EFCC?
“If people like us without security guards are walking freely in Jos, it is therefore very sad that the EFCC is using insecurity as an excuse!
“It is a shame for the EFCC for being afraid to come to court and this should be re-emphasized by the court.
The presiding Judge after listening to both counsels, said he does not want to join issues but reminding the prosecution of the provisions of sections 165 of the CPC which provides that if a case is slated for hearing and the prosecution is not ready, it should be struck out by the court.
“Supposing there is another security issue again, do we continue to adjourn? The Law is the Law!
It would be recall that the matter was slated for 17th, 18th and 19th, July, 2018 for definite hearing by the court.
The court has therefore, owing to the application for adjournment by the EFCC adjourned the matter to 30th, 31st October and 1st November, 2018.
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