By SULEIMAN SHEHU

Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, on Thursday, adjourned the arraignment of Andrew Emelieze, the Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), to Oct. 21.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emelieze, who has been in the forefront of agitation for workers welfare and payment of unpaid arrears of N35,000 wage award by the Federal Government, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Emelieze was brought to the court by the DSS on a four-count-charge of alleged injurious statement against the Federal Government, threat to protest at Aso Rock and declining DSS invitation.

Maha adjourned the arraignment of Emelieze after the defendant slumped in the dock just before the charge was read to him.

She had temporarily stood down the case in order for the defendant to receive medical attention.

However, when it appeared that the defendant could not be revived, the judge adjourned the case.

Maha said that Emelieze has to be alive to face trial.

According to her, proceeding was initially halted in order for the prosecution to attend to the medical need of the defendant.

“On resuming I discovered that his medical needs is yet to be attended to.

“His health is very important. Let’s give him time and the benefit of doubt,” Maha said before adjourning the case.

NAN reports that the FWF national coordinator was reportedly arrested by the DSS on July 3 and later released on administrative bail on July 17 before his arraignment on Thursday. (NAN)