Justice Ademola and wife trying to avoid camera on the day of their first appearance in court. Photo: FEMI IPAYE

An FCT High Court in Maitama on Monday granted Justice Adeniyi Ademola his application for abridgement of time for accelerated hearing.

Ademola and wife Mrs Olabowale were arraigned by the Federal Government on an 11-count charge of criminal conspiracy to receive gratification in various ways contrary to section 8(1)(a) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Act 2000.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Ademola was among the seven Justices investigated after the sting operations carried out on Oct. 8 and 9 by the Department of State Security (DSS).

The Judge, Justice Jude Okeke granted them bail on Dec. 13, after hearing the applications of motion on notice from their counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Chief Roberts Clarke (SAN), respectively.

Okeke admitted them to bail in the sum of N50 million each and on self recognition, and ordered that they deposit their international passports pending the conclusion of the trial.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ademola’s counsel, told the court that they filed a motion dated Dec. 16 for abridgement of time for accelerated hearing of the case.

He said this was in pursuant to the provisions of Section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Segun Jegede, did not object to the motion, but informed the court that he would file an amended charge to bring in a third defendant, Mr Joe Agi (SAN).

The matter was originally adjourned until Jan. 18, for trial.

The judge, Justice Jude Okeke after hearing from both counsel granted the motion for abridgement of time.

“ The matter is adjourned till Jan. 11 for plea and further arraignment in the event that the prosecution files a fresh charge“ he said.

He also adjourned till Jan. 16, for the commencement of trial. (NAN)