The alledged certificate fraud trial of former acting Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, FIIRO, Chima Cartney Igwe, was stalled on Tuesday due to absence of his lawyer.
When the matter was called for continuation, a member of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, Prosecuting team, informed the court that the commission received a letter from the defence on Friday 10th of June, 2022 seeking for adjournment.
According to the Prosecution counsel, the defence counsel had communicated that he will be in another court and at the National Industrial Court, Abuja and that he will be back in Lagos tomorrow.
“In view of that, he sought for vacation of date of today and tomorrow,” Adetoye said.
The Prosecution counsel however said,” My Lord, on our own, we want to humbly apply to the court that the Thursday date should also be vacated as well.
“In view of this development, we want the Court to give us another three clear dates for the continuation of this matter, the Prosecution counsel said.
Prior to today’s date, Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Special Offences court, Lagos had slated June 14, 15 and 16 for continuation of proceedings, as the court in February also summoned a FIIRO staff, Mr. Abati Abidemi to testify or face arrest.
Mr. Abidemi is expected to testify as the second Prosecution witness after the first Prosecution witness tendered three exhibits and the court admitted same.
Justice Solebo further adjourned for continuation of trial till September 12, 13 and 14, 2022.
