Saraki’s application stalled over ill-health of lawyer

The trial was stalled at the federal court of appeal, Abuja, on Thursday because Saraki’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate of Nigeria, was ill.

The senate president is being tried at the tribunal for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of his asset while serving as governor of Kwara state.

The federal government had also alleged that the applicant violated the country’s money laundering law, an allegation that Saraki denied.

Agabi had transmitted a letter to Abdul Aboki, the presiding judge, seeking an adjournment on account of his ill-health.

Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the respondent, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), did not oppose the application.

“In view of the letter sent to this panel from the applicant’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, seeking adjournment on account of ill health and since this prayer is not opposed, the court will grant it,” Aboki said, before adjourning the  hearing to July 18.

Leading two other justices on May 31, Moore Adumien, fixed the matter to June 2, explaining that  the panel could not form the mandatory quorum.