The chief legal representative for the defendant, Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, requested the court to grant him a period of four weeks to locate his client, whose current whereabouts are reportedly unknown.
He said, “My lord, this has to do with his right to life. If someone has genuine concern about his life, it ought to be considered.
“At this stage, we don’t know where the defendant is. Therefore, subject to the convenience of this court, we will be asking for a reasonable time.
“My client does not have any problem answering to this charge. We ask for a reasonable time to enable us to access him.
“My lord, we will ask for four weeks,”
The trial judge expressed concern that the defense attorneys did not provide adequate guidance to the former governor.
“You, as a counsel ought to advise him correctly. Is he the only former governor that has been invited or charged by the EFCC?
“How many people have been killed by the EFCC? This is a matter that has attracted the attention of the whole world.
“If he reports himself and anything untowads happens to him, the EFCC will be held accountable.
“The law is very clear that an accused is presumed innocent. This is merely a charge, an allegation that has not been proved.
“It is for you to advice him properly. Bring him here and prepare yourself. This is only an allegation that has not been proved,” he said.
