The prosecution in the ongoing trial of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Tanimu Turaki (SAN), before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has prayed the court for permission to reopen its case.

Turaki is being prosecuted on a one-count charge brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), in which he is accused, among other things, of giving false information to the police.

Prosecuting lawyer Usman Aliyu told the court on Wednesday that the prosecution filed an application for leave to reopen its case, call additional witnesses, and adduce more evidence.

Aliyu said the additional witnesses and evidence were needed to ensure a fair prosecution of the case.

The prosecuting lawyer, citing several authorities to support his position, prayed to the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

The prosecution closed its case on June 18 after calling a single witness.

Defence lawyer Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN) countered the application and urged the court to dismiss it with substantial costs.

Ibrahim argued that the court should not grant such an application, as it is not granted just for asking, noting that the prosecution told the court at the commencement of trial that it had only one witness.

He recalled that when the prosecution closed its case after the only witness testified, Aliyu also told the court that the prosecution was satisfied with its sole witness.

Ibrahim further argued that the prosecution has not placed sufficient material before the court to warrant granting the application.

The defence lawyer claimed the application was a ploy by the prosecution to delay the case and humiliate the defendant by subjecting him to a needless trial.

Justice Peter Kekemeke has adjourned the ruling until November 2. (The Nation)