Judge Threatens To Dismiss Terrorism Charge Against Senator Ndume, Due To Unseriousness Shown By Director Of Public Prosecution

An Abuja Federal High Court Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, yesterday threatened to dismiss the criminal charge against Senator Ali Ndume.

The senator is charged with alleged sponsor of the Boko Haram sect.

According to the Nations Newspaper:

Justice Kolawole had, on December 19, last year, given an order for accelerated hearing and adjourned till February 2, 7 and 14, for the trial.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs. Olufun, was absent.

Mr. Cliff Osagie, who stood in for her, told the court that she was away on a national assignment.

He said a letter informing the court and the defence had been served. Osagie asked for a short adjournment.

Mr. A. A Vangos, holding brief for the lead defence counsel, Chief Rickey Terfa, expressed reservations but did not object to the request.

Osagie told the court that the DPP wanted a new date in the last week of February, instead of the March 6 and 7, which she reportedly asked for in the letter.

Justice Kolawole threatened to dismiss the charge and discharge the accused, if the prosecution was not prepared.

He wondered why law enforcement agencies arraign accused but develop cold feet after the initial noise in the media.

The judge told Osagie: "Tell the DPP that if she is not ready, I will discharge the suspect and that will be the end of the matter. If the state is not ready to prosecute the accused person, withdraw the charges and go to another place.