The absence of a defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, in an Ikeja High Curt on Thursday stalled the trial a former Lagos socialite accused of defrauding Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, a former Chief of Army Staff of 8.4 million dollars.

The proceeding was scheduled for the cross-examination of Bamaiyi by the defence.

Cross-examination of the retired General had begun since February and Bamaiyi was to be questioned in the witness box on Thursday for the seventh time by the defence.

The presiding judge Justice Oyefeso said that Ojo had written a letter notifying the court of his absence.

“There is a letter brought to my attention this morning from the learned silk, asking for an adjournment,” she said.

Reacting, Mr Seidu Atteh, the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, said that Ojo said he was in Abuja, attending to another matter in court.

“The learned counsel called me last night and told me that he was in Abuja for another matter.

“The defence, started cross-examining the witness (Bamaiyi), in February,” he said.

Justice Oyefeso adjourned the case until Oct. 16 for continuation of trial.

The EFCC accused Ajudua of  allegedly defrauding  Bamaiyi  while they were both in custody in Kirikiri Prisons, Lagos in 2004.

The anti-graft agency accused Ajudua, together with his accomplices, of convincing Bamaiy that they can  secure his freedom and also secure legal services on his behalf.