By Wilson Uwujaren
Though the ex-governor was present in court, counsel to the third accused person, Chukwuma Ochu told the court that he has a pending motion before the court which seeks the disqualification of the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN from standing as counsel in this matter for breach of the rules of the legal profession. “The motion touches on the integrity of the prosecution and the law requires that such a motion should be decided before this matter can go on”, Ochu stated.
Responding, Jacobs told the court that he received the motion yesterday (March 19) and he immediately responded by filing a counter affidavit and a written address to it this morning. He said the action of the defence is a calculated attempt to delay the matter. “My lord, we see that the intention of this applicant is just to buy time. The applicant did not give us sufficient time to respond to his application. As officers of the court, I have the duty to argue it before my lord, that I am not professionally negligent. The application touches on my integrity and I can not be disqualified without being found guilty of the offence he alleged,” Rotimi stated.
Justice Mohammed consequently adjourned the case to May 16, 2014 for hearing on the motion.
Sylva’s arraignment is sequel to fresh evidence linking him with a bouquet of fraudulent transactions that borders on money laundering during his tenure as governor of Bayelsa State between 2009 and 2012.
It will be recalled that the ex-governor was picked up by EFCC operatives in his mansion at Maitama in Abuja on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 and was granted administrative bail on May 9, 2013.
The other accused persons are Francis Okuburo, Gbenga S. Balogun, Samuel Ogbuku, Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited and Haloween Blue Construction and Logistics Limited.
They are to be prosecuted on a 42-count amended charge.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
20th March, 2014
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