Daily Times: Anosike brothers change counsel

The Anosike brothers, Fidelis and Noel, both directors of Messrs Folio Communications Limited, escaped arrest by the police as they appeared at a

The Anosike brothers, Fidelis and  Noel, both directors of Messrs  Folio Communications Limited,  escaped arrest by the police as they appeared at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday with a new defence counsel,  Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN).

A Lagos High Court judge, Ikeja,  Justice Habeeb Abiru,  had issued a bench warrant and ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to  produce and arraign them in court yesterday. They are facing charges of theft preferred against them by the Economic  and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

 The court order was the climax of their refusal to appear in court to answer the criminal charges brought against them at previous hearings.

The Anosike brothers, who were being represented  formerly by Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN),are facing charges of theft of N1.7 billion, being property of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited.

Although the Anosike brothers were in court, the EFCC could not arraign them as their  counsel pleaded with the court for an adjournment of the matter to a new date.

Koku told the court that his clients have dropped Agbakoba and that since he has just taken over the case from him, he would need time to study the charges brought against his clients before filing his counter affidavit.

Counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Akin Akintewa did not object to the request for adjournment of the matter.

The presiding judge adjourned the case to December 15.