The trial of former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, suffered a setback on Wednesday after a Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse, Abuja, adjourned proceedings to July 28 due to the absence of critical banking records expected to be tendered as evidence.
The court granted the adjournment after the prosecution informed it that a key bank statement central to the case had yet to be produced by the financial institution involved.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, said efforts to obtain the document directly from the bank were unsuccessful, forcing the prosecution to seek a subpoena compelling the institution to produce the records before the court.
According to him, the bank explained that the statement consists of numerous pages and requires certification, stamping and approval from its headquarters before it can be released.
“The case was adjourned because one of the key documents we intend to tender before the court, which is the bank statement, is not yet available. We approached the bank, but the document could not be released immediately. We subsequently secured a subpoena through the court, and the bank requested additional time because the records are voluminous and require certification,” Gombe said.
He added that the prosecution informed the court of the development, prompting the adjournment to allow sufficient time for the bank to comply with the subpoena.
The matter was thereafter fixed for July 28 for continuation of hearing.
Gabam is facing trial over allegations bordering on financial misconduct, with the prosecution expected to rely on banking records and other documentary evidence as part of its case.
The proceedings are expected to resume once the subpoenaed documents are produced before the court.