Innoson MD Shuns Court Again, Counsel Exchanges Words With Judge

The scheduled arraignment of Mr. Innocent Chukuwuma, chairman of Innoson Motors Nigeria Limited, and his company before an Ikeja Special Offences Court was again stalled for the fourth time due to his absence in court.

Chukuwuma had failed to show up in court despite a bench warrant issued against him.

When proceedings resumed on Wednesday, the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor expressed optimism when he informed the court that Chukwuma would be in court in the next two days.

However, a mild drama ensued between the prosecution and defence teams when they engaged in a shouting match.

The argument was on whether or not the judge had the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

It would be recalled that the defendant had petitioned the National Judicial Commission (NJC) over Justice Dada’s jurisdiction to hear the fraud charge.

The defence counsel to one of the defendants, Professor J.N. Mbadugha, made an attempt to move a pending application, which was rejected at the last sitting on March 14 2018.

Mbadugha was in the process of citing a point of law that could pave way for hearing of his client’s application even when the chairman of the company was not in the dock, Mr A. B. C Ozioko, the lead prosecuting counsel of the EFCC objected.

The judge, however, explained that she was waiting for the directive of the NJC in case of any possible recommendation to withdraw from hearing the case.

The judge adjourned the matter till May 24th, 2018 for possible arraignment of the defendants.