Ese Oruru: Absence of Dahiru’s Lawyer Stalls Trial

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

The case between the Inspector General of Police and Mr Yunusa Dahiru, who is facing a five-count charge at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, could not continue on Friday following the absence of the accused’s lead counsel.

Dahiru, aka “Yellow”, is standing trial for alleged criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor, Miss Ese Oruru, who gave birth last month.

At the resumed hearing, Abdul Mohammed, who appeared for the defence counsel told the court that their senior partner who is supposed to lead the defence was ill and could not attend the court session.

He, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the matter to a date in the future to allow the entire team stand in for Dahiru.

“My Lord, our senior partner from Kano who is coming to lead the team is ill and he has asked the court to take cognizance of his health”, Mohammed said.
Prosecution counsel, James Amate, a police officer, who lamented the series of adjournments the matter had suffered, urged the court not to entertain more adjournments from the defence team.

According to Amate, the logistics and cost of catering for the principal witness who is in police protective custody is taking its toll on them.

Trial judge, Justice Aliya Nganjiwa, who adjourned the matter to September 13 for definite trial, said the adjournment will be the last for the defence counsel.
However, It wasn’t clear if the lawyer, Mr Kayode Olaosebikan, who had always led Dahiru’s team had been replaced.

In the meantime, Dahiru, whose bail conditions were relaxed by the judge last week, has remained in prison custody.