Posted by By GODWIN TSA, Abuja on
Tragedy almost trailed the trial of members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) as its founder and spiritual leader, Dr Frederick Fasehun on Thursday collapsed in the premises of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, where he is standing trial with six others for alleged treasonable felony and other sundry offences.
Tragedy almost trailed the trial of members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) as its founder and spiritual leader, Dr Frederick Fasehun on Thursday collapsed in the premises of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, where he is standing trial with six others for alleged treasonable felony and other sundry offences.
Fasehun collapsed at about 9.30 a.m. soon after appearing before Justice Anwuli Chikere where his lead counsel, Chief G.O.K. Ajayi told the court of the ill heath of his client.
As soon as Fasehun collapsed, his family, relations and lawyers who were in court to witness the trial, gathered around him to offer possible assistance.
He was later rushed to the Maitama General Hospital, where he received immediate treatment before he was taken in an ambulance to the National Hospital. Before he was wheeled into the ambulance with registration number CT 160 AIO at 1.20 pm, the OPC chieftain was diagnosed for low blood sugar and other related health problems.
Meanwhile Justice Chikere has issued an order directing prison authorities to allow Fasheun to secure necessary medical attention. Wahab Kunle Shittu and Kayode Ajulo in the defence team of the OPC members were at the hospital trying to make necessary arrangement to ensure that Fasheun got needed medical assistance.
Fasehun is said to be a diabetic patient who had not been able to travel to the United States to honour medical appointment because of his incarceration. Earlier during proceedings, Ajayi had told Justice Chikere that Fasehun was not well and needed to seek medical attention anywhere he was sure he could get the best treatment.
But the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Saliyu Aliu opposed the request, saying that there are medical facilities in Kuje prisons where Fasehun was being kept. But Ajayi insisted that the health of his client was in bad shape and therefore would not be able to continue with the trial. This development made Justice Chikere to adjourn further hearing in the case to April 13.
Also standing trial with Fasehun are Otunba Gani Adams (35); Ajayi Edward Olushola (30), Alhaji Mudashiru Adeniji (48); Alhaji Oyinlola Awe (52); and Chief Wahab Isiaka (52). But the OPC members insisted that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to try them. They explained in the motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court that Federal High Court lacked the powers to determine offences relating to unlawful societies.