Absence of EFCC counsel stalls trial of Borisade

The absence of counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sebastian Hon (SAN), on Thursday, stalled the continuation of hearing

The absence of counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sebastian Hon (SAN), on Thursday, stalled the continuation of hearing in a suit filed against former Aviation Minister, Prof. Babalola Borisade, and three others.

The other accused are an aide to the former minister, Timothy Dairo; an Australian, George Eider, and former Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Rowland Iyayi.

The four were arraigned by the EFCC on a 15-count charge bordering of bribe taking and forging of documents relating to a N6.5 billion aviation contract on November 19, 2009.

At the resumed trial, Thomas Azoom, a lawyer with the EFCC, informed the court that Hon sent him to apologise and inform the court that he could not attend the hearing because he lost an uncle and had to travel for the burial.

Azoom therefore sought for an adjournment of the case till December 6.

Counsel to Borisade, Keinde Ogunmiyiju, did not object to the application.

In granting the application, Justice Abubakar Umar called for the cooperation of all counsel in the case to facilitate speedy trial.

He said that the only way to solve the problem of corruption was to ensure quick disposal of graft cases that were pending in courts.

“We should all make sure that this matter continues at the next adjourned date,” he said. “I urge all the counsel not to cause any unnecessary delay, because if it stays too long in my court, I will have to be explaining the reasons to the Nigerian Judicial Council.”

He adjourned the case till December 15.