A Federal High Court in Abuja has criticized the federal government for not diligently prosecuting the case against Tukur Mamu, the publisher of Desert Herald newspaper.
During yesterday’s court session, the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, was absent from court despite being listed on the cause list as present. Mamu, Abdul Mohammed’s lawyer, requested the court postpone the matter until Kaswe returned.
However, when the case was called again after the judge delivered a judgment, Kaswe still needed to be found. Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, expressed surprise at the sudden absence of the government’s lawyer, referring to it as “the miraculous disappearance.”
“I am aware that the prosecution was in court this morning (yesterday), but the sudden disappearance of the prosecution at the time this matter came up for hearing is beyond my understanding,” said Justice Ekwo.
The judge warned that such behavior from the prosecution would not be tolerated in future proceedings. He stated, “If the prosecution shows that they are not prepared to prosecute this matter diligently or expeditiously, the court will take appropriate action at that point.”
Meanwhile, Mamu’s lawyer filed a motion to transfer his client to Kuje Prison. He pointed out that the Department of State Services (DSS) had failed to comply with a previous court order allowing Mamu access to his doctors.
The defense counsel argued that Mamu would receive proper medical attention at Kuje Prison, as they are known to comply with court orders. He stated, “This application is made so that we can take the defendant to the prison where court orders are always obeyed, thus ensuring he has access to his medical officer.”
“We do not wish to file a contempt application as that would prolong the process. Therefore, we request the court to modify the order, allowing the defendant to stay at the Kuja correctional facility.”
The judge adjourned the matter until May 20 to rule on Mamu’s application.
