Fani-Kayode is standing trial on a 12-count charge bordering on the use of false documents, use of fabricated evidence, procuring the execution of documents by false pretense and fabricating evidence. After his arraignment and commencement of trial in 2021, the politician has been absent at his trial on at least three adjourned dates, a development which the judge frowned at.
At the last adjourned date, his counsel, Mr Wale Balogun, informed the court of Fani-Kayode’s absence on grounds of ill health and some issues he was said to have had with the Department of State Services (DSS). Mr. Balogun had also pleaded with the court to grant him an adjournment with a promise to make his client available at today’s proceeding, but the matter was called, Mr Chinozo Eze, who represented Fani-Kayode told the court that he was not in court due to health issues.
However, the judge frowned at the constant series of excuses that had been tendered by the defendant for his non appearances. The judge subsequently held that she will issue a bench warrant against Fani-Kayode if he fails to show up on the next adjourned date. She also frowned at the prosecutor (Zenat Atiku) for non-diligent prosecution of the case, noting that the EFCC can withdraw the matter if it is not ready to prosecute same. She then adjourned the case until November 7, 2023, for the continuation of trial.