An Abuja High Court has adjourned until November 11, hearing of a motion filed by a former governor of Taraba, Darius Ishaku, challenging jurisdiction to hear the alleged N27 billion fraud preferred against him.
The presiding judge, Sylvanus Oriji on Tuesday adjourned the matter after both counsel to the defendants told the court that they had filed preliminary objections before the court.
Justice Oriji adjourned until November 13 for hearing of the two motions.
At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, told the court that the matter was slated for trial.
He however told the court that he was served with preliminary objections by both counsel for the defendants.
“The defence counsel knew very well that the case was slated for today as agreed by all the parties on October 3.
“They filed these motions on the day of the trial thereby scuttling the matter.
“I seek the court’s direction. If I am allowed, I will address the court in 30 minutes but if it is adjournment, I will abide by the court’s direction ” he told the court.
Responding, the first defence counsel, Paul Harris Ogbole told the court that he served the motion on the prosecution only Monday.
“We were aware of today’s date but in the cause of our research, we filed the motion which borders on jurisdiction.
“I am not sure that the matter will likely go on today because we will also want him to reply” he told the court.
Similarly, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, the second defence counsel told the court that his motion was served on November 1.
Recall that the Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned Ishaku and a former Permanent Secretary of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero on a 15- count charge.
