Posted by By Abimbola Akosile on
Continued hearing in a trial of five persons for attempted murder of Mr. Alex Ibru, Publisher, The Guardian, was yesterday stalled before an Ikeja High Court judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, due to the absence of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha
Ibru: Mustapha's Absence Stalls Hearing
, 07.14.2005
Continued hearing in a trial of five persons for attempted murder of Mr. Alex Ibru, Publisher, The Guardian, was yesterday stalled before an Ikeja High Court judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, due to the absence of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, and third accused person in the six-year old matter. However, the trial judge adjourned further hearing till October 4 and 5. Others accused persons include General Ishaya Bamaiyi, former Chief of Army Staff (1st Accused), James Dambaba, former Police Commissioner of Oyo and Lagos State (2nd); Col. Jubrin Bala Yakubu (rtd.), former Zamfara State Military Administrator (fourth); and CSP Rabo Lawal, former Leader, Mopol Unit at Aso Rock Villa (fifth).
Al-Mustapha, brought to court by officials of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) at last adjourned date on June 27, was absent from court at yesterday's proceedings, while his counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, was also absent.
The former CSO was reportedly turned back from the court gate on June 27 due to an on-going Judiciary Staff Association (JUSAN) strike, when all court activities were paralysed for 20 days.
Although other four accused persons were present in court yesterday when the matter came up, hearing could not go on due to absence of both Al-Mustapha and his counsel, which made Oyewole adjourn hearing till above-mentioned dates.
"The absence of third accused person is traceable to the last strike by the Judiciary Staff. In the circumstance, further hearing in the matter is adjourned till October 4 and 5," Oyewole ruled.
Trial in the matter had been stalled by various adjournments and applications filed by accused persons.