From Tony John, Port Harcourt
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has fixed October 11, 2017, to commence hearing on the matter between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dame Gesila Khan, and one other person.
The former REC is being tried for allegedly obtaining gratification of over N180 million from yet-to-be-named person(s), while serving as the state’s REC during the 2015 general election.
The trial judge, Justice Sailu Saidu, had adjourned the matter yesterday, after listening to both counsel in the matter over permission to extend date for hearing.
Earlier, Barr. J. Kpakol, counsel to the second defendant, Peter Popnin, a former staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrested with Khan for allegedly assisting her in receiving the said gratification, asked the court for an adjournment, saying he was just briefed and needed time to prepare for the matter.
The EFCC lawyer, Ahmed Aruga, who told the court that the second defence counsel had briefed him on his position, said they were ready for hearing in the court with their witness.