Court adjourns trial of alleged N72m case till May 19

Ladapo Kolade

Justice Mojisola Dada has adjourned the case involving alleged theft of N72.5 million against a former leader
of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Peter Onoja, till May 19 this year.

Onoja’a absence in court on Tuesday stalled his trial for alleged N72.5million in an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The defendant was absent in court when the case was called for trial.

Onoja is charged with six counts bordering on theft.

However, he had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) counsel, Mr Samuel Daji, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to call its first witness.

“My lord, the defendant is not produced though the matter was stated for trial today and we have our witness in court.

“In the circumstance, we shall be asking for an adjourned date,” Daji said.

The defence counsel, Mr Michael Onasanya also apologised to the court for the absence of the defendant.

“My lord, I can say this is due to the tension in the country which is getting better by the day.

“We however, urge the court to grant us early date,” Onasanya said.

The court had on Jan. 24 admitted the defendant to the sum of N25million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The commission alleged the defendant stole the sum of N72.5 million from the union purse on several occasions.

According to prosecution, the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.