Alleged N2bn FIRS fraud: Defence Counsel’s absence stalls Ita’s trial

\Stanley Ihedigbo

Ongoing trial of Emmanuella Eteta Ita, Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and her Surestart School Limited was stalled on Monday, February 19, 2024 due to the absence of defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN.

According to the Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, Ita and Surestart School Limited are standing trial before Justice F. Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a 25-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation, diversion, criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N2billion.

At Monday`s resumed sitting, the prosecution geared to continue with the cross-examination of prosecution witnesses when the court was informed of the absence of Erokoro.  His absence was linked to the burial of the former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who was his classmate.

Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter till March 18, 20 and 21, 2024.