For lack of diligent prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a federal high Court in Dutse, Jigawa State, has struck out a N36 billion fraud case against former Jigawa Governor, Alhaji Saminu Turaki.
Turaki allegedly committed the multi-billion Naira fraud as Governor of the 31 years old state between 1999 and 2007.
Trial judge, Justice Hassan Dikko, on Thursday struck out the case over lack of diligent prosecution following the absence of EFCC counsel.
However, he gave a caveat: he ordered the EFCC to do the needful when it is ready to proceed with the case.
Turaki’s lawyer, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, noted that since the case was slated for hearing on Thursday for hearing; and neither the prosecution counsel, nor witnesses were in the court, it should be struck out.
He argued that the Thursday sitting was the sixth adjournment since the case was brought before the High Court and there was no reason given to the court by the prosecutor (the EFCC) for their non-appearance.