A Federal High Court in Abuja was unable to proceed with the trial of influential PDP chieftain, Femi Fani- Kayode, as scheduled on Wednesday because of his ill health.
Fani-Kayode after a court appearance
Embattled former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani- Kayode, who was scheduled to stand trial on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was reportedly unable to proceed with the trial because of the ex-minister’s ill health.
Recall that he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on November 11, 2016, arraigned Fani-Kayode on five charges involving alleged diversion of N26m which he allegedly received from the then National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, under the guise of payment for contract.
The ex-minister allegedly received the money from the Office of the National Security Adviser while he was the Director of Media and Publicity in the campaign organisation of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to Punch, Justice John Tsoho had fixed Wednesday for commencement of trial, but the proceedings were stalled because of Fani-Kayode’s absence from court.
The ex-minister’s lawyer, Wale Balogun, who apologised to the judge for his client’s absence said the defendant had wished to be present in court on Wednesday out of respect for the court but that the doctor advised the defendant against such idea.
The defence lawyer, who did not mention the nature of Fani-Kayode’s ailment, also showed the judge a letter from an undisclosed hospital where the former minister was said to be receiving treatment. Balogun, therefore, asked for an adjournment of the case.
While responding to the judge’s question on whether or not he had an objection to the request for an adjournment, the prosecuting counsel, Johnson Ojogbane, confirmed that he had been shown the medical report on Fani-Kayode’s health status.
He said he would not object to the request for adjournment since it was the first time the defence would be asking for such adjournment.
Justice Tsoho then adjourned till February 6.