By Terna Chikpa
The absence of Barrister D.G. Tukura at the Taraba State Upper Area Court II, Jalingo, on Monday stalled proceedings in a case involving Mr. Gabriel Olayinka, a Taraba-based journalist standing trial over an alleged criminal breach of trust filed by Mr. Isa Jubri.
Counsel to the defendant, Barr. Longs Kingman of P.D. Pius and Associates, told journalists at the court premises in Jalingo that they were served with a hearing notice last week directing them to appear before the court. However, the complainant’s counsel, D.G. Tukura, failed to appear.
According to Barrister Kingman, the complainant was expected to appear with witnesses to establish the allegations of criminal breach of trust against his client and enable the case to proceed.
He disclosed that while they were in court, a copy of an adjournment notice written by the complainant’s counsel was presented, citing an engagement at the State High Court and seeking an adjournment of the case to a later date.
Kingman further stated that the endorsement on the warrant, which was supposed to serve as the instrument for producing the defendant in court, was dated June 16, 2026, instead of June 15, 2026, contrary to the hearing notice served on the defence team. He noted, however, that his team consented to the adjournment.
Meanwhile, the trial judge, Hon. Lawan Jika, adjourned the case until June 24, 2026, for hearing.
