Absence of defence witness stalls Dariye’s trial again

The trial of former governor of Plateau state, Chief Joshua Dariye, was once again stalled in an FCT High Court Gudu, due to the absence of defence witness.

Dariye, who was present in court on Tuesday, is facing a 23-count bordering on money laundering and diversion of Plateau state ecological fund to the tune of N1.162bn.

The defence counsel, Mr. Garba Pwul (SAN), told the court that one of the witnesses had travelled and could not be served with witness summons.

He said that the court bailiff could not reach the witness because there was no working day in between the last adjourned date and Tuesday.

The trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, who expressed dissatisfaction over the issue, adjourned the case to Jan.18 and 19 for continuation of defence.

(NAN)