Connect with us

Lifestyle

Court fixes Oct 4 for judgment in Maina’s son’s trial

Published

4 years ago

on

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, fixed Oct. 4 to deliver judgment in the trial of Faisal, son of the embattled Chairman, defunct Pension Reformed Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that Justice Okon Abang, the presiding judge, fixed Oct. Oct 2 to deliver judgment in the trial.

However, after attending to a number of cases, Justice Abang reverted to Faisal’s matter.

He told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s Lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar, and Faisal’s Counsel, A. A . Onoja, who were still in court, that he had realised that October 2 falls on weekend (Saturday).

He then called for the case file and adjourned the matter until October 4 for judgment.

NAN reports that Faisal, who is being prosecuted along his father, Maina, is standing a separate trial on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The defendant, who was arraigned by the EFCC on Oct. 25, 2019, was admitted to bail, on Nov. 26, 2019, in the sum of N60 million with a surety in the like sum who must be a member of the House of Representatives.

However, Faisal jumped bail around September 2020 and stopped attending his trial. The judge, on Nov. 25, 2020, summoned the lawmaker, Rep Sani Dan-Galadima, representing Kaura-Namoda Federal Constituency of Zamfara, who stood as surety for Faisal, for disregarding court order to produce the defendant in court after he was granted bail.

Abang then revoked the bail granted Faisal, ordered his arrest and directed that his trial should proceed in absentia having being said to have jumped bail by the prosecution.

The judge also ordered the surety to forfeit the property which he used as a bail bond to the Federal Government, having failed to produce Faisal.

When the case was called earlier, Abubakar told the court that the matter was slated for adoption of the final written address dated December 10, 2020, and filed on Dec. 11, 2020.

However, Onoja, who appeared for Faisal, applied for a short adjournment on the grounds that he was not briefed on the development.

“I apply in the interest of justice for a short date to adopt our written address,” he said. Abubakar disagreed with Onoja.

The anti-graft agency lawyer argued that on March 17 when the case was adjourned, Anayo Adibe, who appeared for Faisal, did not apply to file any written address, even after the ruling was delivered.

“Today is four months since that day and the defence has not done anything.“I confirmed from Mr Onoja who announced appearance for the defendant and he informed me that he is representing Mr Adibe.

“I, therefore, urge my lord to refuse the application and allow us to adopt our written address,” he said.

Onoja then argued that it was on record that counsel to the defendant was not served hearing notice that the matter would be coming up.

But Abubakar disagreed, saying “This is not a reply on point of law. Counsel is raising a fresh issue.

“He had all the time to raise the issue when he was called upon to respond to our submission that the matter was coming up for adoption of final written address but he fail to do so.

“I urge the court to discountenance his submission as an afterthought.”Onoja, who urged the court to grant his prayer, said the adoption of the written address was not part of the business of the court.

“The law is that the defendant should not be ambush or taken unaware,” he added.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Abang, who recalled that the court, on Nov. 24, 2019, ordered the matter to be heard in Faisal’s absence, also noted that Faisal’s right to open defence was later foreclosed and matter adjourned.

“The matter was later adjourned to May 18 for adoption of the final written address and for four months, the defendant did not file anything until now,” he held.

The judge, who dismissed the application for adjournment, said such request was made in bad faith.“Therefore, the application for prosecution to adopt his written address deserves to succeed and is hereby granted,” he ruled.

The EFCC lawyer then adopted the written address as the commission’s argument in the matter and urged the court to convict Faisal in all the three counts levelled against him, “the prosecution having proved the case beyond all reasonable doubt.”

Justice Abang, therefore, adjourned the matter until Oct. 4 for judgment.

Culled from the Vanguard News Nigeria

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Houston

Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie

Published

6 days ago

on

October 3, 2025

By

Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.

Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.

An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.

According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

Published

2 months ago

on

July 30, 2025

By

When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

Published

5 months ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending