Badeh’s trial begins tomorrow as new counsel takes over

The trial of former Chief of Defense Staff, Alex Badeh, at the Federal High Court has been adjourned till tomorrow to enable the new Defense Counsel; Akin Olujimi (SAN) study the case.

Samuel Zibiri (SAN) had appeared as Badeh’s lead Counsel at the hearing of his bail application but Olujimi stepped in as his new lead counsel yesterday.

He therefore prayed the court for an adjournment so that he would have ample time to study the brief of his client.

Justice Okon Abang however granted the adjournment of the trial at the instance of the Defence to March 16, following his application for adjournment.

But Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs, had objected the application, stressing that it was a ploy by Badeh to scuttle his trial.

Reminding the court of its earlier resolve to expedite trial through day-to-day hearing of the case, Jacobs maintained that the Defendant should not introduce a new Counsel with a view to stalling the process.

He therefore urged the Court to throw away the application and proceed with the trial.

“The defendant cannot bring another Senior Advocate with a view to scuttling the trial. I therefore urge the court to refuse the application for adjournment”, Jacobs stated.

But Justice Abang in his wisdom held that the defendant had every opportunity to prepare his defence but it was observed that he was served proof of additional evidence late.

Accepting though that justice delayed is justice denied, he also noted that on the other hand that justice rushed could amount to justice crushed. He therefore adjourned the trial till Wednesday.