The trial of ex-Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim was stalled yesterday, following disagreements over allegations that Ohakim’s son threatened a prosecution witness. Ohakim is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly paying $2, 290,000.00 for a piece of land at Plot 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No. 60, Kwame Nkuruma Street, Asokoro, Abuja
Yesterday, prosecution lawyer, Festus Keyamo told the court that one of the prosecution’s witnesses, Abu Sule was being trailed by Emeka Ohakim, a son to the ex-governor.
Keyamo told the court that the second witness, Sule, who is the managing director of Tweenex Consociate H.D. Limited, phoned him at 9 pm. on January 25, 2016, saying the second son of the defendant, Emeka Ohakim, went to his (Sule) office at Asokoro to inquire about his home address from some individuals
He added that Ohakim’s son allegedly approached three people, whose names he gave simply as Okon (a driver), Akpabor (a driver) and Shola (an architect), for Sule’s home address. ‘‘We will apply, at this stage, that a word of caution and concern go out. If it repeats itself, we shall bring appropriate application before the court over the development,’’ Keyamo said.
Responding, Ohakim’s lawyer Chris Uche (SAN) expressed dismay at what he said was Keyamo’s outburst, arguing that the issue ought to have been discussed in private. Uche added: ‘‘I have no doubt that what the prosecution has said amounts to destabilising the defence. Keyamo had been sitting directly behind us for more than one hour before the case was called, but he didn’t raise the matter.
He also saw the defendant eyeball to eyeball when he came to our seats, yet he didn’t discuss the matter. Now, it is on the Internet and it will be in the press tomorrow.’’ He urged the court to dismiss the story as unfounded, adding that the prosecution could file an application to formally bring the issue before the court.
Uche told the court that the prosecution failed to handle the matter properly, and that the step taken by Keyamo was at variance with a traditional belief that says an elder should report any act of misconduct by a child to his father.
Keyamo responded by saying: ‘‘I find it extremely objectionable. He (Uche) has said things about my person, whereas I have never said anything about him. “I will not treat an issue of threat to life in private! There is no rule of legal practice that says such an issue should be discussed in private. It depends on my judgment,” Keyamo said.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola expressed concern about the development. ‘‘I am a bit disturbed. It is a serious allegation. We can’t deny the fact that it also touches on the defendant himself. “Alternatively, you could have asked to seek audience with me in chambers in the presence of the defence counsel and the defendant’,’’ the judge said. Justice Ademola adjourned to today for continuation of trial. The Nation
Comments
Post a Comment