IBORI: High Court In Asaba Adjourns Again

Asaba (THEWILL) - Justice Marcel Awokulehin has again adjourned ruling to December 17, 2009, in the alleged money laundering case brought against the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori and associates by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, making it the third consecutive adjournment within three months in a highly contentious trial.

The defendants have asked the court to determine whether the prosecution has enough evidence to prosecute them in the criminal charges filed against them before the court and if the Judge determines otherwise, the charges be dismissed and case thrown out.

While addressing counsels for the both parties, Justice Awokulehin said his reasons for adjourning again were still based on the various allegations made against him in petitions before the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Idris Kutigi saying that the issues raised have still not been addressed satisfactorily.

When counsel for the defendants questioned the rational behind the series of adjournments saying it gives credence to speculations being made on the way the ruling may go, the judge emphasized that he would not be intimidated by anyone into giving his ruling noting that “justice has no time limit”.

All parties promised to be in court on the new date.