Yunusa Dahiru, who allegedly abducted and married 14-year old Ese Oruru, has retained the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to strengthen his legal defense team which already numbers seven at the last count.
Kayode Olaosheibikan was until today the new lead counsel for Mr. Dahiru's defense team.
The Federal High Court in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, today adjourned Mr. Dahiru's trial to September 13, 2016.
Justice Aliya Nganjiwa had to adjourn the case due to the absence of the new lead defense counsel.
Mr. Dahiru is facing a five-count charge of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor, Ese Oruru.
At today's hearing, Mr Abdul Mohamed, who appeared for the defense counsel, informed the court of the absence of the new lead defense counsel.
Mr. Mohamed explained to the court that the new lead defense counsel was absent due to illness. He appealed to the court to adjourn the case and expressed hope that the new defense counsel would get better before the next hearing.
"My lord, our senior partner from Kano, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who will lead the team, is ill and he has asked the court to take cognizance of his health," said Mr. Mohamed.
Following his submission, Justice Aliya Nganjiwa adjourned the case till September 13 for trial, stressing that the adjournment would be the last for the defense counsel.
The judge remanded the accused in prison custody.
Prosecution counsel, James Amate, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), decrying the series of adjournments in the case. He had urged the court not to entertain more adjournments from the defense team.
"We are not happy over the series of adjournments. Of course, catering for the principal witness, who is in police protective custody, is biting on us," he said.
Mr. Amate added: "The defense counsel have said that they are bringing a new lawyer, a SAN, to lead their team, but we are not happy that this adjournment is coming the way it is going."
