The trial of the pioneer Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond
Dokpesi, which resumed today, May 9, 2019 before Justice John Tsoho of a
Federal High Court, Abuja, has been adjourned to July 2 and 3, 2019 due
to the absence of the lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN. Agabi sent in a
letter to the court requesting for an adjournment.
His absence had earlier stalled the trial on February 20, 2019. Agabi
had sent in a letter informing the court that he was bereaved, and
prayed the court for an adjournment to April 21 to 24, 2019.
Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN had vehemently opposed Agabi’s
proposed “two-month” adjournment, but the trial judge, considered it and
fixed May 9, 2019 for the defence to open its case.
However, at the resumed sitting today, prosecuting counsel, Oluwaleke
Atolagbe, informed the court that he received a letter from Agabi,
asking for yet another adjournment.
Atolagbe said: “The defendants were meant to open their defence, but a
letter was written asking for an adjournment from February 20, 2019 and
again the defence counsel has written another letter asking for an
adjournment to July 2 and 3, 2019.”
Atolagbe argued that the defence “has several eminent Senior Advocates
of Nigeria representing him, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Dayo Akinlaja (SAN)
and many others who can take up the case”.
He further stressed that the prosecution reluctantly conceded to the
earlier adjournment.
Dasuki is facing a six-count charge along with DAAR Investment and
Holdings Limited, owners of African Independent Television and Raypower
FM, for allegedly receiving N2.1 billion from the Office of the National
Security Adviser, for services not rendered. He had on November 21, 2018
lost his “no-case” submission, with the trial judge ordering him to open
his defence.