The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has invoked a section of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to convict an accused person, Uba Mohammed for refusing to appear in court after he was granted bail on June 10, 2013.The accused person is standing trial before Justice Salisu Garba of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on a two- count charge of Criminal Breach of Trust to the tune of N10million( Ten Million Naira).
The offence is punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
In view of his failure to face trial over a period of 10 adjournments, Justice Garba revoked the bail granted the accused person and issued a bench warrant against him.
At the resumed hearing today, prosecution counsel, Takon N. Ndifon, prayed the court to rule over the matter in the absence of the accused person.
While moving his plea, Ndifon said: “Section 352 sub-section 4 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act empowers your Lordship to go on with the matter after two consecutive adjournments, when there is no explanation from the accused as to his absence”.
He also added that subsection 4 “urges the court to go on with the matter and convict the accused, as the judge can only suspend the sentence.
Justice Garba adjourned to October 27, 2015 for ruling.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
22nd September, 2015
Head, Media & Publicity
22nd September, 2015
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