A Federal High Court in Yenagoa has deferred the trial of Yanusa Dahiru, the alleged abductor of 14-year-old-girl, Ese Oruru till September 13.

Justice Aliya Nganjiwa, gave the long adjournment on Friday due to the absence of the new lead Defence Counsel in the court.

Yanusa is standing trial on a five-count charge of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.

At the resumed hearing on Friday, Abdul Mohamed, who appeared for the Defence Counsel explained to the court that the new lead Defence Counsel was absent due to illness and appealed for an adjournment of the case

“My lord, our senior partner from Kano, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who will lead the team is ill and he has asked the court to take cognizance of his health,” he said.

Following Mohamed’s submission, Justice Nganjiwa adjourned the case till September 13, for definite trial, stressing that the adjournment would be the last for the defence counsel.

“Meanwhile, Yunusa, the accused will remain in prison custody,” Nganjiwa added.

The Prosecution Counsel, James Amate, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, expressed frustration at the many adjournments the case has witnessed so far.

“We are not happy over the series of adjournment,” Amate complained.

“Of course, catering for the principal witness, who is in Police protective custody is biting on us.”