Judiciary
AN Abuja High Court has adjourned until Jan. 27, 2025 for continuation of hearing in the alleged attempted murder case filed against 20 Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD).
In the suit marked: FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, a one-time PTD National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, is charged alongside 19 others on a five-count charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.
Also charged alongside Osesua are; Dayyabu Garga; Humble Obinna; Akinolu Olabisi; Godwin Nwaka; Tiamiu Sikiru; Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.
Others are, Zaira Aregbo; Patrick Erhivwor; Stephen Ogheneruemu; Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.
They were alleged to have attacked Mr Williams Akpireha,, the National President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers NUPENG) , Augustine Egbon and Olawale Afolabi, thus acting in a manner likely to cause their death, among other offences.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Yusuf Halilu, gave the adjournment after the defendants’ Counsel, Christopher Oshimorgi, (SAN) told the court that the 20th defendant, Adamu Ibrahim took ill.
The judge held that as gamine as the argument of the prosecution counsel may be, that it is honourable to grant the application for adjournment.
“It is instructive to note that the application for adjournment through the medical reports presented by the SAN for the defendants which has been vehemently opposed to by learned counsel for the prosecution.
“His arguments touches on the source of the medical reports which did not emanate from a recognised government hospital as an issue.
“If you fall sick, it is your decision to attend either government hospital or medical hospital or private hospital.
“If indeed you have been arraigned before a court of law and admitted to bail, you should bring a report from a government recognised hospital,” he held.
The judge noted that this was the first time such a medical situation would present itself before him with respect to the said defendant.
“Adamu has always been punctual here and this is the first time he will be absent on grounds of ill health.
“Being a court of justice, even if aspersion is cast on the said medical report, I should as a matter of responsibility give him the benefit of the doubt in doing that.
“It is only honourable to get him to return back to this court as soon as possible, this I shall do by adjourning this matter to yet another date,” he said.
He then adjourned until Jan. 27, 2025 for definite continuation of hearing.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, Oshimorgi (defendants counsel) presented to the court a medical report from the 20th defendant, Adamu Ibrahim.
He told the court that though they are ready to proceed with the matter but an impossibility is created and they can do nothing than to ask for an adjournment.
He further told the court that the prosecution served him now with notice of additional witness and urged the court to grant them an adjournment.
Objecting to the application, the Prosecution Counsel, David Kaswe, vehemently opposed to the adjournment.
He told the court that the report was not from a government recognised hospital on the face value of the medical report.
The counsel said he saw this as a deliberate ploy to stall definite hearing of the matter.
He urged the court for a cost against the defendant or revoke of his bail, if the court decides to grant the application. (NAN)
20th November, 2024.
C.E
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