The trial of Ex-Senator Shehu Sani was on Thursday stalled in a Federal High Court, Abuja, due to the absence of a Prosecution Witness (PW12) who was slated to give evidence.
When the matter was called, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Abba Mohammed, told the court that the matter was for continuation of trial but that the witness had difficulty reaching the court on time due to transportation issues.
“The matter is for continuation of trial but unfortunately, our PW 12 explained his transportation challenge to me that is why he is not yet in court. I humbly pray for a stand down until noon,” he said.
Counsel to Sani, Mr. Abdul Ibrahim, SAN, also agreed to the stand down request.
The judge, however, declined and rather told the prosecutor to take a fresh date, warning that it would be the last adjournment for the prosecution.
“I am not ready for a stand down, so I will give you a fresh date which will be the last adjournment for the prosecution,” the judge said.
The matter was adjourned until June 22 and June 23 for the prosecution to call its 12th witness.
The former senator was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery, name-dropping and influence peddling.
The anti-graft agency accused Sani of fraudulently obtaining 25 thousand dollars from the Chairman of ASD Group of Companies, Alhaji Sani Dauda.
It also alleged that he collected the money under false pretense that it would be used to bribe the former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to shield him (Dauda) from investigation and prosecution.
The former senator, however, pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
(NAN)