Lagos - The trial of an aide to Adeyemi Ikuforiji-- speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly-- on Wednesday suffered a setback, following the prosecution's denial of being served a counter-affidavit.
The aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, is facing charges of conspiracy, stealing of N32.5 million and intent to defraud, before Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) arraigned Atoyebi on Feb. 8, along with Olayinka Sanni, a former manager of Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Atoyebi and Sanni are also standing trial on charges of conspiracy, stealing and forgery before Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, also of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.
The trial before Candide-Johnson could not go on as scheduled on Wednesday, becausethe counsel to the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said he was yet to be served a counter-affidavit.
Counsel to the defendants, Messrs Seyi Sowemimo and Abiodun Onidare, told the court that they were unaware that Oyedepo had not been served the counter-affidavit filed by them.
Justice Candide-Johnson consequently adjourned the case till Feb. 14 for commencement of hearing.
NAN