Alleged N1.1b fraud: Court adopts written addresses on Dariye’s case

Stories by Vivian Okejeme

Justice Adebukola Banjoko of a Federal Capital Territory High Court, will on Thursday, adopt the written addresses of both parties in the former Platea state Governor, Senator Joshua Dariye as the lawmaker closes his defence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting the senator for allegedly diverting about N1.162 billion from the state’s Ecological Fund to private companies and individuals.
After the withdrawal of three senior lawyers representing Dariye in the trial which began since 2007, former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) announced his appearance as the new defence lawyer on September 18.
He immediately applied for adjournment to enable him get acquainted with the case, an application that was so granted by the trial judge.
However, at the last sitting, the defence counsel told the court that the defence had decided to close its case after calling a total of 16 witnesses to corroborate Dariye’s innocence.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to Thursday, December 7 for adoption of addresses.

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