Forgery: Court adjourn’s Misau’s arraignment until Dec 12

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned until
December 12, the arraignment of the Senator representing Bauchi
Central Senatorial District, Isah Misau, on charges of making false
documents.

Justice Anwuli Chikere adjourned the matter after the defence
counsel, Mr. Joshua Musa (SAN), opposed the arraignment of the
senator on the basis of an irregularity noticed on the face of the
charges.

According to the lawyer, the absence of the Nigerian Bar
Association’s stamp pasted to the charges, amounts to an
irregularity under Rule 10 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for
Legal Practitioners.

He also cited the authority of the Supreme Court in Yaki Vs
Bagudu 2015 to back his argument.

“There is an irregularity on the face of the charge, it will be
dangerous for the defendant to take his plea,” Musa said.

In response, prosecution led by Mr. Saleh Barkun of the Office
of the Attorney-General of the Federation, said it was unnecessary
to place the stamp on the amended charges since the the old charges
had the stamp.

But Justice Chikere agreed with the defence and adjourned the
case directing the prosecuting counsel to address the irregularity
before the next day.

She then adjourned until December 12 for arraignment.

Misau remained standing in the dock throughout the proceedings
that lasted about 25 minutes on Tuesday.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned until
December 12, the arraignment of the Senator representing Bauchi
Central Senatorial District, Isah Misau, on charges of making false
documents.

Justice Anwuli Chikere adjourned the matter after the defence
counsel, Mr. Joshua Musa (SAN), opposed the arraignment of the
senator on the basis of an irregularity noticed on the face of the
charges.

According to the lawyer, the absence of the Nigerian Bar
Association’s stamp pasted to the charges, amounts to an
irregularity under Rule 10 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for
Legal Practitioners.

He also cited the authority of the Supreme Court in Yaki Vs
Bagudu 2015 to back his argument.

“There is an irregularity on the face of the charge, it will be
dangerous for the defendant to take his plea,” Musa said.

In response, prosecution led by Mr. Saleh Barkun of the Office
of the Attorney-General of the Federation, said it was unnecessary
to place the stamp on the amended charges since the the old charges
had the stamp.

But Justice Chikere agreed with the defence and adjourned the
case directing the prosecuting counsel to address the irregularity
before the next day.

She then adjourned until December 12 for arraignment.

Misau remained standing in the dock throughout the proceedings
that lasted about 25 minutes on Tuesday.