Joshua Dariye, a serving Senator and former governor of Plateau State has backtracked in his approach, to his matter, before an FCT High Court sitting in Gudu, on his intention to open his defence contrary to his earlier “No-Case submission”.
At the closure of the prosecution’s case against him, Garba Pwul SAN, counsel to Dariye had informed the court about its plan to open its defence.
He however, changed his mind when parties returned to court on June 10, 2016 and opted to make a no case submission, following which trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko adjourned to June 14, 2016 for oral argument of the no-case submission.
At the resumed hearing, Dariye’s counsel informed the Court that his client has now elected to conduct his defence and decided against the idea of a no-case submission.
Pwul brought to the court’s attention, a list of witness summons he filed to compel some individuals to appear in court and testify for his client.
The defence counsel said he also filed a motion, which would be heard at the end of trial.
Justice Banjoko endorsed the summons, which are to be served on the affected individuals.
They include: Timitimi Ebibomo, whose address is given as: Plot 325A, Akin Ogunlewe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and John Micahel Abdul of Plot 490 Nise Close, Garki II, Abuja.
Others are Osivwem Samuel of House No.10 Road 21, Garki, Abuja and Adonye Roberts, Ewet Housing, F Line, Opposite Police Station, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
The presiding judge adjourned the matter to June 17, 2016 for Dariye to open his defence.
Dariye who is still wanted in UK, is facing charges for allegedly diverting Plateau State’s ecological fund estimated at N1.16 billion while he was a governor in the state between 1999 and 2007.
