The case between the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and five Retired Senior Police Officers, who are facing 14-count charges of alleged age falsification has suffered another setback.
At the Federal Capital Territory High Court, prosecuting counsel Rimamsonte Ezekiel told Justice Yusuf Halilu that despite three different adjournments, the defendants namely Benneth Igwe, Simon Lough, Idowu Owohunwa, Ukachi Opara, and Obo Ukam, alongside others said to be at large, failed to appear in court.
Akelicious reports that the prosecution counsel informed the court that after several visits, it was discovered that the accused persons have changed their locations.
He urged the court to proceed in their absence or issue a bench warrant for their arrest.
However, Justice Halilu declined, ruling that since the defendants were granted administrative bail by the police, it was their duty to produce them in court.
On his part, Defence counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Terkaa Aondo, argued that his clients are yet to be served with the charges.
He added that he had filed a preliminary objection on the competence of the charges and had served the prosecution.
Justice Haliru , however, ruled that the court would not entertain the objection until the defendants were present.
He also advised the defence to ensure their clients’ presence in court on the next adjourned date.
The case was then adjourned to 17th of November 17 for arraignment of the defendants.
