The absence of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, in court on Monday, 8 May 2023, caused a delay in the trial of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, who is facing an alleged N6.9bn fraud and money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Obanikoro, the 12th prosecution witness, began giving evidence on 31 January 2023 and is still undergoing cross-examination by the defence team.

At the last sitting of the court on 21 March, Obanikoro had told trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, that he had no document to show that he withdrew the sum of N1.2 billion, which he allegedly gave to Fayose.

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During Monday’s hearing of the case, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the case was for the continuation of cross-examination of Pw12, but that he was informed by the witness’ aide that he was out of the country.

Specifically, Jacobs urged the court to grant an adjournment to the already existing dates in June.

This application for adjournment was not opposed by the defence counsel. Justice Aneke granted the defendant’s application to travel for medicals and adjourned the case to the already existing dates of 6 June and 8 June for the continuation of trial.