Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Adajiesther
Published on 2024-02-28 14:41:38
The trial of an anti-Tinubu protester, Obiajulu Uja, for a criminal offense has faced numerous adjournments, drawing the ire of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court in Zuba. Mr. Uja’s arrest stemmed from an incident in April of the previous year when he caused a commotion during a Lagos-Abuja flight with a lone protest against Bola Tinubu’s inauguration as Nigeria’s president. The trial has been ongoing before Magistrate Abdulazeez Muhammad of the Zuba Magistrate’s Court.
During a recent court proceeding scheduled for the definite cross-examination of a prosecution witness, neither the federal government’s Lawyer, Umo Inna, nor the defense’s lawyer, P. U Ogbadu, were present in court. This absence, without any explanation, caught the attention of Magistrate Muhammad, who emphasized the importance of addressing challenges and making tough decisions to maintain institutional relevance. He expressed disapproval of frivolous adjournments in criminal matters and decided to grant an adjournment to the prosecution in the interest of substantial justice. The case was adjourned to the 5th day of March 2024 for the cross-examination.
Mr. Uja’s lone protest on the Lagos-Abuja flight, where he objected to Bola Tinubu’s presidential inauguration, led to his arrest and subsequent trial for a criminal offense. The trial has faced multiple delays, with the Kuje prison authority initially identifying Mr. Uja as mentally unstable during a court-ordered medical examination. However, a vacation judge of the FCT High Court, Edward Okpe, granted Mr. Uja bail and deemed him fit for trial.
The trial proceedings commenced with a prosecution witness testifying before Magistrate Mohammed Abdulazeez. Following the completion of the prosecution’s witness testimony, it was time for the defendant to cross-examine the witness. Despite the progression in the trial, the repeated adjournments have hampered the timely resolution of the case.
In light of the challenges faced in the trial process, Magistrate Muhammad emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary delays and prioritize the pursuit of justice. The court’s decision to grant an adjournment while upholding the principles of substantial justice reflects a commitment to fairness and due process.
As the trial of Obiajulu Uja continues, it underscores the significance of the judicial system in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. The adherence to legal procedures and the fair treatment of all parties involved are essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system. The resolution of this case serves as a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in the legal process.
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