The absence of a handwriting expert on Tuesday stalled the trial of a former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, holding before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court.
Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth, are standing trial for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to the bank in a suit instituted against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the judge notified the parties that the handwriting expert had sent a letter to the court that he would not be available to provide evidence.
The expert witness, who is being called by the defence to analyse some documents relating to the transactions contained in the charge, apologised for his absence.
He informed the court that he was presently testifying in another matter at Onitsha in Anambra and would be available on May 22 and 23.
Following the development, Atuche’s counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) asked the court for an adjournment and also to vacate the May 21 date fixed for the trial.
“The witness is a busy witness. He gives evidence around the country and he has given assurances that he will be here on May 22,” Idigbe said.
Responding, the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the call for an adjournment, arguing that the absence of the expert witness does not stop the defence from calling other witnesses.
In a short ruling, the judge held that the reason given by the defence for the adjournment of the proceedings was tenable.
Okunnu, however, said the expert witness did not explain to the court why he would not be available on May 21 and consequently refused to vacate the date.
Follow Us