Nigerian Entertainment News: EeZee Tee Declares Readiness to Defend Himself in Court
Renowned music producer Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZee Tee, has affirmed his readiness to establish his innocence regarding the fraud allegations leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
His legal representative, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, disclosed this information on Monday during a legal proceeding at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
During the session, Ubani identified himself as the defense counsel, while Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) appeared for the prosecution.
Ubani informed the court that he had initially filed two preliminary objections challenging the charges but opted to withdraw them.
When Justice Alexander Owoeye inquired about the defendant’s whereabouts, Ubani explained that EeZee Tee had been involved in a severe accident earlier that day.
He assured the court that his client would be present at the next hearing to enter his plea and assert his innocence.
However, when Ubani attempted to raise his preliminary objection, the court refused, stating that it could not entertain the motion until the defendant was physically present.
Justice Owoeye emphasized that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction over the matter since EeZee Tee had not formally entered a plea.
The prosecutor, citing Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and precedents such as State vs. Achara and FRN vs. Yahaya Bello, urged the court to dismiss the defense’s submissions.
He remarked:
“My lord, it is a show of shame and outright disrespect for this court for the defendant to be absent on three different occasions in a criminal trial.”
The prosecutor further argued that if the defendant was genuinely unwell, an affidavit should have been provided as evidence.
Given the circumstances, Oyedepo requested the court to issue a bench warrant, stressing that it was necessary to uphold the court’s authority.
Ubani opposed the motion, pledging to personally ensure his client’s appearance at the next hearing. However, the prosecution countered, stating that the defense’s assurances held no legal weight.
Oyedepo remained firm in his stance, advocating for a legal directive to compel the defendant’s attendance.
In its ruling, the court upheld the existing bench warrant, stating that it remained valid as it had not been revoked.
Consequently, EeZee Tee is mandated to appear in court on the next adjourned date, either voluntarily or through enforcement under the bench warrant.
Following the legal counsels’ consensus, the court adjourned the case to March 6 for arraignment.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nigerian Entertainment News.
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