Osun LG Funds: Criminal Trial Against UBA Officials Commences

Efforts by APC court-sacked chairmen to stop the trial of top officials of the United Bank for Africa failed today as the Magistrate's Court has commenced criminal proceedings against the bank officials.

The Yes/No chairmen had attempted to intimidate the Magistrate and the Judiciary by hosting a demonstration on behalf of the UBA despite clear law provisions and judicial authorities that criminal trials cannot be stopped for any reason.

Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 has expressly prohibited a stay of proceedings in criminal matters.

This position was also supported by Section 40 of the EFCC Act.

The Supreme Court (e.g., Metuhv.FRN) had further held  that no court can grant a stay of proceedings, emphasizing the need for speedy justice.

These provisions also support Section 36 (4) 1999 Constitution requirement for fair hearing within a reasonable time.

At the resumption of hearing today, the UBA boycotted the proceedings and the Court had to consider applications from the prosecution, pushing for the commencement of the trial with the defendants in absentia.

The prosecution moved its application and  supported its position with various statutory and judicial authorities which the Court considered after an hour's adjornment.

The Court  on resumption delivered its ruling in favour of the prosecution counsel, citing several authorities and allowing commencement of the criminal trial of the UBA officials.

The prosecution subsequently opened its case by calling  one of its witnesses while the matter was adjourned till 28th April, 2026 for further hearing.

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