Posted by By ADESINA AIYEKOTI on
The trial of former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, had a twist Thursday, when the judge said he was tired of the case. This is the second time he was doing that.
The trial of former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, had a twist Thursday, when the judge said he was tired of the case. This is the second time he was doing that.
It would be recalled that Justice Salishu Garuba of the Abuja High Court had given notice of withdrawal when Dr. Tunji Abayomi, lead counsel to Balogun, insinuated that he was biased.
Balogun's counsel had argued that since the substance of the fresh charges against him was the same with the pending 50-count charge before the Federal High Court, they should be merged. He said 92-count fresh charge was incompetent and an abuse of court process, adding that the court had no jurisdiction to sit on the matter.
As Abayomi spoke Thursday, Mr Rotimi Jacobs intemittently objected that the former's style was unknown to the rules of practice. Abayomi was eventually cautioned by the Judge.
However, when Abayomi concluded his reply, Mr Jacobs stood up to reply. He first urged the court to expunge all the submissions by Abayomi as they related to the fresh issues raised on the grounds that the rules of practice frowned against it.
He also said that "Tafa Balogun detained somebody over N55 million."
Abayomi had jumped up to seek court's protection. But Mr Rotimi Jacobs told him to sit down, saying he was still on his feet. But Abayomi refused to sit down. They exchanged harsh words.
The development made Mr Jacobs to raise his voice, asking Dr Abayomi to sit down, and the following hot exchanges ensued:
Dr Abayomi: You can't shout on me.
Jacobs: I will shout on you if you don't respect yourself.
Dr Abayomi: I say you can't shout on me.
Jacobs: If you don't take time, I will expose your client. My lord, I need your protection.
It was at this juncture that the presiding judge intervened.
"It is unfortunate that two of you should conduct yourselves in this manner and show disrepect to each other. In fact, I am tired of this case. Honestly, I am tired."
He hurriedly adjourned the case till June 15.