From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
The failure of the prosecuting Counsel of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacob, SAN to appear in court on Tuesday has hindered continuation of hearing in the financial misappropriation suit against former Governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah Jang.
One of the prosecuting counsel to EFCC had told the court during Tuesday sitting that lead Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacob, SAN could not attend the sitting due to cancelation of flight to Jos.
But the lead defending Counsel to Sen. Jang, Mr Edward Pwajok, SAN argued that the statement by the prosecuting counsel was false, because the lead counsel had sent a mobile phone text message to him that he won’t be present in court today (Tuesday 13 July, 2021).
Similarly, the presiding Judge, Justice Christine Dabuk who countered the prosecuting counsel, said she received a similar text message about 10 hours ago from the lead prosecuting counsel that he won’t be in court for obvious reasons but not revealed in the text message.
Justice Dabuk said her court has prioritized cases from EFCC and the ICPC for accelerated hearing so that justice won’t be delayed.
Meanwhile, during the proceedings, lead counsel to Jang, Mr Pwajok expressed sadness that the suit against his client is being prolonged unnecessarily.
Mr Pwajok, told the court that, out of the 12 witnesses brought by his client, only two have so far been crossed examined, ten others are still awaiting cross examination.
Speaking with journalists in an interview shortly after the court sitting, Mr Pwajok said the lingering case was suffering his client as he frequents the court.
When asked if the EFCC intends to abandon the case, Pwajok said it was at the discretion of the plaintiff.
Jang was accused by EFCC for misappropriating state funds few days before he left office as governor of Plateau state.
The case was adjourned to the last week of November, 2021, 24, 25 and 26 for continuation of hearing.