Judge threatens to jail Obanikoro for absence at Fayose’s N6.9bn trial

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday threatened to jail a former minister of defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, for failing to appear in court for the continuation of his cross-examination.

Mr Obanikoro, the fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, was not in court for medical reasons, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, said.

Mr Fayose is being accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of N6.9 billion fraud.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun said that the former minister must appear in court on the next adjourned date, March 18, or he will be compelled to do so by the court.

Mr Jacobs said that he was informed by an aide of Obanikoro that he was on admission in the hospital.

He also presented a written medical report before the court.

The defence counsel, Ola Olanipekun, frowned at the witness’ absence, arguing that if learned counsels had made themselves available in court, then the witness had no right to be absent.