Prosecution’s absence stalls trial of suspects for allegedly belonging to gang of thieves

The absence of a prosecution counsel, Kufreabasi Ebong on Tuesday, stalled the trial of Abubakar Usman and Bilai Yau in a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Kubwa.

The Commissioner of Police charged the defendants with two-counts bordering on belonging to a gang of thieves.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At the resumed trial, the defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed told the court that the prosecution was not in court and no reason was given for his absence.

“The defendants are in custody of the Nigerian Custodian Centre, Suleja who did not bring them to court despite being duly served.

“I apply for the matter to be adjourned for definite hearing as the prosecution has shown that he is not ready,” Ahmed said.

He added that the defendants were arraigned since Jan. 25, 2022.

Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf however adjourned the matter until Nov. 22.

He ordered for hearing notices to be served on the prosecution and correctional facility.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants were caught by a team of police men led by ASP Micheal Okolo with items suspected to be stolen on Dec. 31, 2018 at Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The items included one Del laptop, Nokia Android, Techno, Infinix cellphones, one Iphone, six wristwatches, one wrapper, radio and jewelries which they were unable to give account of.

The prosecution counsel alleged that during police investigations the defendants confessed to belonging to a gang of thieves.

The offence, he said, is punishable under Sections 306 and 319 of the Penal Code.