The judge handling the nine count charge of corruption levelled against the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Professor Adebiyi Daramola has withdrawn from the case, over what he termed frivolous petitions against him by labour unions in the institution.
At the resumed hearing of the case at the Akure High Court, Justice Ademola Bola Transferred the case to another judge for continuation on the 30th of this month.
TVC’s Ayodeji Moradeyo reports that the Vice Chancellor and the institution’s bursar, Ayodeji Oresegun are standing trial in a case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a nine count charge bordering on abuse of office, conspiracy and Obtaining by false pretense .
Shortly after counsel announced appearance at the resumed hearing, justice Ademola bola drew attention of the court to what he termed frivolous petitions accusing him of bias.
The trial judge said the petition written by members of the non-academic staff of the university, was the first of such against him in his eight years as a chief magistrate and fifteen years as a judge.
The judge then gave a ten minute break to see whether the unionists will stand down on their petition, but they refused to shift ground, insisting that the judge should hands off the case.
Having taken note of their stoic stance on the petition, the judge announced his withdrawal from the case, stressing that he would never compromise his hard earned integrity.
Counsel to EFCC, Benedict Ubi expressed disappointment over the development, while members of the union maintained their stance.
All roads will now lead to court three of the state high court, where legal fireworks on the case will resume on the 30th of this month, having been assigned to another judge.
