The Code of Conduct Tribunal on Tuesday struck out a five counts charge against General Jeremia Timbut Useni, former Minister of Federal Capital Territory Abuja, which bothers on non-declaration of assets.
The Tribunal, chaired by Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, assisted by Hon Justice Agwadza William Atedze in Abuja, struck out the five count charge on the grounds of lack of diligent prosecution.
At the resume hearing yesterday, the lead prosecuting Counsel Peter Danladi (Esq) sorted for the Tribunal to adjourn the case sine die pending the appointment of the new Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the status of the case.
However, the lead defence Counsel Victor O. Odjemu (Esq) and opposed the application for an indefinite adjournment on the ground that the case has suffered frivolous delays for the 15 years.
He contended that granting an indefinite adjournment in a case that had already lasted for 15 years would amount to further infringement on his client right of determination of the case against him within reasonable right.
He added that though striking out the case would not prevent the prosecutors from re-filing the case whenever they were ready, it would give his client psychological satisfaction that there was no pending charges against him.
Odgjemu, vehemently objected the application thus; ‘‘I will rather pray my Lord that that this matter be struck out. This matter has lasted for 15 years in this honourable Tribunal.
Striking out the case will make the accused person’s mind to be at rest that there is no pending charge against him’’.
In his ruling Justice Umar, held that the prosecution’s request for an adjournment was unacceptable, it is therefore struck out. When the prosecution is ready to proceed, they can come back any time.
Ibraheem Al-hassan,
Head, Press & Public Relations.
