The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday failed to present its witnesses in the trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Lawal is facing charges, alongside six others, for alleged N544.1 million contract fraud.
The six persons also facing charges include Lawal’s brother, Hamidu, who is a director of Rholavision Engineering Limited; an employee of the company, Sulaiman Abubakar; and the Managing Director of Josmon Technologies Limited, Apeh Monday.
Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court urged the EFCC to put its house in order after the commission failed to present witnesses.
The judge gave the advice after EFCC’s counsel, Ofem Uket, informed the court that although the matter was slated for continuation of trial none of the EFCC witnesses were in court.
Mr Uket apologised over the development, adding that it was not in his character to stall trial in such a manner.
However, Lawal and five other defendants were present in court.
“It is regrettable that none of my witnesses is in court for this trial, I wish to apologise for this and I humbly urge this honourable court to give me another adjournment,” Uket said.
Lawal’s counsel, Akin Olujinmi, told the court that Uket had informed him of the situation and that he did not object to the request for adjournment.
The judge fixed June 10 and June 16 for continuation of hearing.
