EFCC likely seeking case transfer to nail Jang
2 min read
Jos, Nigeria: Former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, on Monday prayed the court to speed up hearing into the corruption case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This is to enable the presiding Judge, Daniel Longji conclude the case before his terminal leave commencing December 31, 2019.
During the day’s sitting on the Motion of “No Case Submission”, filed by the Defendants at the Jos High Court, the Defense Council, Edward Pwajok submitted that his client was over 70yrs old and needed to get done with the case and rest.
However, “There has been a huge impression out there from different quarters that, the prosecution wants to frustrate my lord and transfer the matter,” he feared.
The prosecution Council, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN had applied for an extension of time on the “No Case” motion over “serious and noticeable errors, which need to be corrected.”
Responding, the presiding Judge, Daniel Longji said he had a “vision” that he might not finish up the case.
However, “In fairness, to all of us, I cannot say anybody has deliberately frustrated this case on all sides,” he said.
“There were reasons for adjournments, especially, when the 1st Defendants was sick. It therefore cannot be reported that there was anybody frustrating the speed of hearing this matter,” Longji maintained.
He however demanded speed in the submission of the prosecution addresses.
He said, “The Defendants have filed a No Case Submission, saying the prosecution has not made a case hence, they want justice.
“On your part, you have the opinion that you have made a case. If you are not ready, they are!
“The eagerness now is that, you don’t have a case, so, let the court set the Defendants free that is their thinking.
“It is your case and they have made a No Case Submission. My last day was 20th December, 2019, but owing to the numerous judgments and rulings that I must deliver, I took a fiat from the Chief Judge (CJ) and I have delivered most. I have up to the 31st of December, 2019. If I adjourn again, it means I am not going to deliver the ruling.
“It is your case and a No Case Submission has been made. You must file answers!
“Counsels already have addresses filed. Let them guide me! I don’t really waste time recounting counsel’s address, but the facts placed before the court is my interest. This is a very serious matter!
“What I would read is the proceedings and what has been placed before the court. I am not to evaluate in a No Case Submission.
“If it is agreed, you should just adopt, without adumbration and believe in God. Else, if I rise, it would be no more!”
