The alleged mastermind of the Independence Day bombing in Abuja, Charles Okah, who is facing terrorism charges before a Federal High Court, Abuja, has relieved his defence, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who has represented him since the commencement of the case four years ago.
A lawyer from Keyamo’s law firm, Mr. John Ainetor, disclosed this to Justice Gabriel Kolawole on Wednesday.
He also informed the court that about six weeks ago Okah’s sister had made a similar call debriefing keyamo.
But the lawyer did not disclose the reason given by the accused for discontinuing his superior’s service.
Ainetor, who subsequently announced Keyamo’s withdrawal from the case, told the court that his boss on Tuesday received a phone call from Okah informing him to stop representing him (Okah) and his co-accused, Obi Nwabueze, in the case.
Justice Kolawole had on July 8, 2014 adjourned till matter till Wednesday for the prosecution led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) was to open its case by calling its first witness on Wednesday.
But the development of Keyamo’s withdrawal from the case stalled the proceedings.
Izinyon confirmed that keyamo had informed him of the development but expressed worries over what he referred to as four years of “delay tactics” by the the accused.
He described the development as “curious” and urged the court to relieve Keyamo and give the prosecution time to call it’s witnesses.
In his ruling, Justice Kolawole said, “the case was brought by Attorney General of the Federation on December 6, 2010. Almost four years I can hardly recall how many rulings I have issued.”
He said while the case of one of the four accused persons who chose to have his case tried eparately was decided on January 2, 2013, one of the accused died in custody.
“We have spent two years trying to resolve whether the accused is mentally fit. The court found that he is fit. It is the constitutional right of the accused to debrief his counsel,” He added.
He also said, “to embark on the trial today will be legally flawed as the court has the duty to allow accused change counsel.”
He then fixed the trial for December 3 and January 27, 2015 for the prosecution to open its case.
Okah, a brother to a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Henry Okah, is being tried alongside Obi Nwabueze for the bomb attack near the Eagle Square in Abuja.
About 12 persons were said to have died in the attack. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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