Kemisola Oye
ABSENCE of a former leader of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Peter Onoja, earlier today (Tuesday 21st, 2023) stalled his trial for alleged N72.5 million theft in an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
The defendant was absent in court when the case was called for trial.
Onoja is charged with six counts bordering on theft.
However, he had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Samuel Daji, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to call its first witness.
“My lord, the defendant is not produced though the matter was stated for trial today and we have our witness in court.
“In the circumstance, we shall be asking for an adjourned date,” Daji said.
The defence counsel, Mr. Michael Onasanya also apologised to the court for the absence of the defendant.
“My lord, I can say this is due to the tension in the country which is getting better by the day.
“We, however, urge the court to grant us an early date,” Onasanya said.
The court had on 24th January admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N25 million with two sureties in like sum.
The Commission alleged that the defendant stole the sum of N72.5 million from the union purse on several occasions.
According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the case till 19th May for the commencement of trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media