By Oluseyi Dasilva, Ilorin
The matter between Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and two pastors of Evidence of Christ Church, Ilorin continued on Monday before Magistrate I. A. Dasuki, with the prosecution counsel, Barrister Kehinde Ajide seeking adjournment of the matter on the premise that a witness due for cross examination could not be present because the witness had an examination to write on the same day.
However, the lead defence counsel, Barrister Lanre Badmus, who had earlier expressed displeasure over the attitude of prosecution counsel moved for the termination of proceedings since the prosecutor seemed not forthcoming in proving his matter, citing his earlier absence from court without notice.
Badmus was of the opinion that his clients suffered unduly from the lackadaisical attitude of the prosecutor and that another adjournment was being sought.
In a swift reaction, Ajide raised an objection stressing that the non-availability of the witness was not his fault and that he still had grounds to forge ahead in the matter.
At a point he lamented, “I cannot manufacture evidence,” arguing that the matter be adjourned to another convenient date.
It will be recall that the NSCDC had instituted litigation against two pastors, Olumide Peter and Jesulayomi Adetola of Evidence of Christ Fellowship International Church before the Ilorin Magistrate Court on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, accepting money from a foreign based organisation, wrongful confinement and putting persons in fear of injury, in order to commit extortion.
Dasuki eventually danced to the request from Ajide for a convenient adjournment date and so the matter was adjourned till September 6, 2021.
