Abuja – A former governor of Plateau, Chief Joshua Dariye, on Friday failed to open his case at an FCT High Court, Jabi.
Dariye is standing on alleged 23-count charge of diversion of state funds and money laundering.
Dariye’s Counsel Garba Pwul (SAN), had told the court that the matter was for opening of defence case.
Pwul told the court that he could not got the record of proceedings of four of the prosecution witnesses because “we intend to raise a no case submission’’.
At the last adjourned date on June 6, when the EFCC closed its case, Pwul had told the court that he would call 10 witnesses.
The prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), expressed dismay at the inconsistency of the defence counsel.
“On the last adjourned date, the prosecution closed its case and the defence counsel promised he would open his defence today.
“It is very surprising that the same counsel is now coming with the intention to delay this proceeding by requesting for the record of proceedings today,’’ Jacobs said.
Jacobs said further that it was against the provision of Section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act which provides for the day to day hearing.
Justice Adebukola Banjoko, however, adjourned the case till June 14. (NAN)