The Federal High Court, in Abuja, on Wednesday, has fined the Federal Government the sum of N200,000, for causing an adjournment of the trial of Sahara Reporters Publisher and Activist, Omoyele Sowore, on frivolous grounds.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu who described the Prosecution’s request for the adjournment as frivolous and uncalled for, postponed the trial till Thursday.
She warned that the proceedings would not continue if the prosecution fails to present evidence of the payment of the N200,000 to the Defence, or come to court with the cash on Thursday.
She condemned the late filing of amended charges and service of same on the Defence in the open court, on Wednesday.
The Judge also expressed dissatisfaction with the Prosecution’s failure to serve all necessary documents as ordered by the court, over seven weeks ago.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr. Kayode Alilu, from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, had explained to the court that the amendment of the charges followed the taking over of the case from the Department of State Security Services, DSS, in December.
He asked for an adjourment to effect the service on the Defence.
Details later…