News
EFCC’s Failure To Present Witness Stalls Ex-Gov’s Trial
The commencement of hearing on alleged misappropriation of funds by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang and one Yusuf Pam was yesterday stalled by the inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present its witnesses in court, citing insecurity in the state.
Hearing was billed to commence yesterday, where the anti-graft agency was to produce its witnesses, but it could not.
Counsel to EFCC, Henry Ejiga said the security situation in the state could not allow the agency to produce its witnesses.
He maintained that there were instances when witnesses were gunned down, “so my Lord should take the matter of security serious.
Ejiga said, “We also want my Lord to understand that this is not a tactics to delay our prosecution.
“But for the respect for this court, we found it important to come; that’s the reason our lead Counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) is not in court.
“We urge my Lord for an adjournment”.
Responding, Counsel to the accused, Robert Clarke SAN, accompanied by Mike Ozekhome SAN, said, “Criminal trials are enjoined by the law to be speedy, because the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“My Lord, justice delayed is justice denied.
“We are surprise that the reason being given is because of the security situation in the state.
“If people like us can come from Lagos, and work into Jos freely, it is sad for EFCC to use security as an excuse”, he lamented.
“EFCC have arms and ammunition, it is a shame for EFCC, a custodian of security to be afraid to come.
“Haven arraigned us, why are the witnesses being held in EFCC custody?” the defence counsel asked.
According to Clarke, over the years, judges are blamed for delaying court cases, “I had to come on air to debunk such claims a few months,” stressing that “Counsels are culpable, and here is an example.
“However, Government is a powerful institution, that’s why I reluctantly agree for adjournment.
“We should have an affirmation that the next adjournment given should not be jettisoned”, he stressed.
In his ruling, Justice Daniel Longji said as sword of the law, the law will always take its course.
Longji acknowledged that security matter is important, but EFCC should not use that to prolong the matter.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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