- The trial of the late chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh, has been adjourned till February 26
- Badeh’s lawyer requested for the adjournment to enable him to liaise with the prosecution on the next line of action
- Granting the request, the presiding judge, Justice Okon Abang praised late Badeh, describing him as a man who had respect for the judiciary
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 16, described the late Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, as a man who had tremendous respect for the judiciary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Abang was the presiding judge over Badeh’s trial.
Badeh was docked on charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering and converting public money to personal use to the tune of N3.9billion.
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At the resumed hearing, Badeh’s counsel, Akin Olujimi (SAN) had informed the court of the death of his client, saying that he was murdered on December 19, 2018, on his way from his farm.
Olujimi then requested for a short adjournment to enable him liaise with the prosecution on the next line of action.
While not objecting to the application for an adjournment, the prosecuting counsel, O.A. Atolagbe, however, said that the defence team ought to have furnished the court with a death certificate.
But Justice Abang, however, held that no death certificate was required because Badeh’s death was already in the public domain.
“The court is already aware of his death. The Supreme Court has made it clear that where a matter is already public knowledge, the court being a member of the public, does not require a certificate of death.”
The judge, who commiserated with family of the late chief of defence staff, described him as a man who was peaceful throughout his trial and conducted himself well.
“Throughout his trial, he never created difficulties for the court. He was so peaceful throughout his trial.
“His conduct was a show of tremendous respect to the court. He was always in court before trial and he never asked for any frivolous applications,” Abang said.
The judge acquiesced to Olujimi’s request and adjourned the matter until February 26 for a feedback on the meeting between the prosecution and defence counsel.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that an unnamed associate of Badeh alleged that the former chief of defence staff was killed by expert marksmen.
Recall that Badeh was shot dead by unknown gunmen along Abuja-Keffi Road on December 18.
The Nasarawa state police command on Thursday, December 27, confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with the killing of Badeh.
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Source: Legit.ng
