The absence of the prosecution and defence lawyers on Tuesday stalled the planned adoption of final written addresses in the criminal charge filed against a director in the Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited, James Nolan.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till September 24 for adoption of their written addresses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Nolan, a British national, for alleged involvement in the $9.6 billion P&ID scandal.
Nolan had told the court on January 16 that he would not be calling any witnesses in the trial.
The defendant, who fled the country in September 2022, spoke through his lawyer, Michael Ajara.
The lawyer said that he would rely on the prosecution’s evidence already presented in court and would not be presenting additional evidence.
After the submission of the counsel, Justice Obiora Egwuatu had adjourned the matter for the adoption of the final written addresses of the parties.
The EFCC had in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/9/22 arraigned Micad Project City Service, a subsidiary of P&ID Limited, and Nolan for alleged fraud in May 2022.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and Nolan was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
After the Briton met his bail conditions of N100 million and a surety in like sum, he was granted bail.
He, however, stopped attending court proceedings and fled the country.
After his escape, he was declared wanted by the court, and an order was issued for his arrest wherever he was found.
