By Austin Ogwuda
Hearing of the Terrorism charges filed against the National Legal Adviser of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association, Barrister Francis Okolie and three others before the Federal High Court Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria was stalled following the failure of the Prosecution Counsel to file counter affidavit opposing the bail application made by the defence counsel.
The case which came up on Tuesday numbered FHC/ASB/18C/24 filed by the Inspector General of Police against the defendants has, thus, been adjourned for the fourth time.
Barrister Francis Okolie, Prince Eugene Ojo Izediunor, the Youth President of Agidiase community, John Nwano and the Secretary General of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association, Adigwe Eluemunor, are facing a three-count charge over alleged terrorism, attempted murder and malicious damage, according to the Prosecution.
When the matter was called up, the Prosecution Counsel, Idika Kalu Esq, told the trial Judge, Justice Olufumilola Agbaje that he was yet to file the counter affidavit and pleaded for more time to enable him do so.
Lawyers to the 1st defendant, Efe Akpofure, SAN, 2nd defendant, Albert Akpomudje, SAN, 3rd defendant, Prof Oludayo Amokaye, SAN, represented by Fikayo Hughes, SAN, and 4th defendant, Riky Tafar, SAN, did not object to the application for adjournment.
Consequently, Justice Olufumilola Agbaje adjourned the case to 5th and 6th of November, 2024 with an appeal to the Prosecution Counsel to do everything possible to avoid further adjournments of the case.