The trial of Rickey Tarfa, SAN was on Monday stalled due to his absence to face trial before an Igbosere High Court over alleged perversion of course of justice.
The court was informed today by Jelili Owonikoko SAN, lawyer to Tarfa that his client travelled outside the country for medical treatment.
Owonikoko said the condition of his client was so bad which made him to travel for surgical operations, adding that Tarfa would be away for three months.
Tarfa is standing trial on a 26-count charge bordering on offering monetary gratification to two judges of the Federal High Court – Justices Hyeladzira Nganjiwa and Mohammed Yunusa.
He was alleged to have paid a total of N800,000 in three tranches between Feb. 9 and Nov. 30, 2015 into Justice Yunusa’s account. He is also alleged to have falsified his age.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, however, confirmed to the court that he received the medical report and a letter from the defendant requesting for vacation of trial date to further date.
He said the defendant should have come to court to apply for leave to travel before embarking on such a trip.
Justice Adedayo Akintoye, however, told the defence to ensure that the defendant appears in court on the next adjourned date.
“I am giving the defendant the benefit of doubt based on the application before the court, he should be in court on the next adjourned date,” Akintoye said.
She adjourned the case until March 11 for continuation of trial.
