A Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial and hearing of bail application of the chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team Abdulrasheed Maina, to February 19th at the instance of his counsel, Sani Katu.
Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter after Mr Katu told the court that he needed more time to enable him prepare adequately for Mr Maina’s defence, since he was coming into the matter afresh.
The counsel , said he was unable to meet his client at the Kuje Correctional Centre for pre-trial conference.
He urged the court to adjourn the case in the interest of justice.
Mr Maina, in a motion on notice dated and filed on Dec. 24th 2020 brought by his counsel , Anayo Adibe, said the application became necessary over his worsening health condition.
In the motion, the ex-pension boss told the court that he had reasonable and responsible sureties who were willing to act as sureties if granted bail.
The judge had adjourned the hearing of the bail application until Feb. 1 and equally fixed the trial continuation on the same date.
At the resumed trial, Mr Katu, who was appearing for Mr Maina for the first time, sought for adjournment to enable him prepared for his client’s defence.
In his ruling, Justice Abang noted that though there was a subsisting order of the court to continue hearing the matter which was yet to be set aside, the court had a discretionary power to grant or refuse a plea for an adjournment.
“The court must look at the justice of the case and take a decision that will take into consideration the competing rights of parties,” he held.
Citing Section 396(4) of the constitution, Justice Abang granted Maina’s prayer as argued by his counsel.
He adjourned the matter until Feb. 19 for Mr Maina to open his defence and for all pending applications to heard.
