The trial of Bi-Courtney boss, Wale Babalakin for laundering N4.7billion on behalf of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori today suffered further delay.
At the State High court today, where series applications by Mr. Babalakin were billed to be argued, he came flanked with a cartel of legal counsels.
His court case is in connection with multibillion naira fraud that got the former Delta State governor, James Ibori convicted in the UK. Mr. James Ibori's trial with the EFCC in Nigeria prior to his arraingnment abroad fizzled as he was freed of 150 count charge which bordered on corruption.
As he moderated among the lawyers at premises of the court, Mr. Babalakin posed for photo journalists, asking them to take his photograph.
EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs told the court that he had injury from an accident last week end. He requested for an adjournment. Presiding judge, Lawal Akapo approved for adjournment on the EFCC's account. The judge appointed 14th of March for next adjournment.
Since his own arraignment, there were indications that Mr. Babalakin's trial would follow similar pattern as that of his accomplice, James Ibori who was mysteriously freed by Justice Marcel Awokulehin in Asaba.
For several weeks, Mr. Babalakin did not show up for his arraignment. After legal pressures, he changed tactic to feigning illness. Mr. Babalakin lodged in LUTH for several days to avoid arrest. Upon attending court before the previous judge, Adeniyi Onigbanjo, Mr. Babalakin pleasurely opted to sit outside the dock. He relied on many of his statuses to plead for his choices. During that time, he was also flanked with prayer warriors garbed in white robes to the court.
As Mr. Babalakin's trial takes dramatic leisure turn, it becomes further convincing that the entire fraud web of Mr. James Ibori and Babalakin are being played down.
Late last year, presidency had begun a negotiating process to repatriate James Ibori to Nigeria. The exercise is a plan reabsorb the convict, James Ibori into political relevance in Nigeria upon return. The arrangement is similar to that of convicted former Bayelsa State Governor, DSP Alamayeseigba who was granted State pardon and had since returned to political jobs for President Jonathan.
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