FCT Judge Sets Trial Date Amid Defense Absence

On March 25, 2026, Justice K.N. Ogbunnaya of the High Court 15 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) rejected a recusal application and proceeded to set a trial date for a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Alhaji Moham Danjuma and Prince Chibuik Echem, who are accused of conspiracy and inducement to commit forgery.

Despite the absence of defense counsel, Justice Ogbunnaya insisted on continuing the trial, stating that the case would proceed even without legal representation for the defendants. The defense had requested the judge to step down from the matter, citing grounds for recusal, but this was dismissed.

The chief judge of the FCT had sought to reassign the case, but it was ultimately returned to Justice Ogbunnaya. The defendants were informed that their counsel had abandoned the case due to various grievances, including issues related to bail applications.

Justice Ogbunnaya scheduled the next hearing for March 26, 2026.