Alleged ₦300m gold theft: trial stalls as prosecution seeks adjournment

Hearing in the alleged ₦300 million gold jewellery theft case were on Tuesday stalled at the Federal Capital Territory High Court,Maitama, Abuja, following a request by the prosecution for an adjournment due to the absence of its lead counsel and a key prosecution witness.

At the resumed hearing, Laraba E. Jataba, who appeared for the prosecution in place of the lead prosecutor, Adama Musa, informed the court that the matter could not proceed because the lead counsel was engaged in another case before a different judge.

Jataba told the court that, in the circumstances, the prosecution was seeking another date to enable it to properly proceed with the trial.

Counsel to the defendants, Ishaka Dikko, SAN, opposed the application, arguing that the matter was fixed specifically for cross-examination and that the prosecution had prior notice of the hearing date.

Dikko told the court that the lead prosecutor was present at the previous sitting and expressly agreed to Tuesday’s date, insisting that the prosecution could not now claim it was unprepared to proceed.

“My Lord, had this arisen unexpectedly, we would have understood. But we were all in court yesterday, agreed on today’s date, and the prosecution was fully aware,” he said.

The senior lawyer further argued that Jataba was competent to proceed with the case, noting that she had appeared and participated as part of the prosecution team at the last sitting.

“My learned colleague was present yesterday and took part in the proceedings. She is competent to proceed. As officers of the court, we should all be ready to move this matter forward,” Dikko added, urging the court to compel the prosecution to proceed.

In response, Jataba acknowledged the defence’s concerns but explained that the prosecution had anticipated the lead counsel would be available before 1:00 p.m., which informed the decision to fix the matter for that time.

She further disclosed that the prosecution’s witness, who was expected to testify, had become unavailable after being rushed to the hospital due to high blood pressure.

“We received information this morning that the witness was taken to the hospital. The lead prosecutor is also currently before another court. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” she said.

Reacting, Dikko urged the court to ensure fairness to both parties, noting that “what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” and adding that similar consideration should be extended to the defence if the need arises in the future.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Chioma Nwosu-Ihemen adjourned the matter to February 16 and 20, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The defendants, Rukhayat Abbeyson, Lauretu Ahmed and Sagir Ahmed, are standing trial on charges of conspiracy and theft of gold jewellery allegedly belonging to Hajia Halima Suleiman, allegations they have denied.