Justice Kutigi Fumes as Abdulrasheed Maina’s Absence Stalls Trial-Within-Trial

“If your client cannot come to court, I will revoke his bail and let them go and get him,” the judge warned.

“I would not allow a senior advocate to come and make a mockery of this court. The last time he appeared in court was more than three years ago. I am fed up with this case. I’ve been in this profession for over 35 years. I have never seen a case like this.”

Despite his frustration, the judge granted the defence’s request for adjournment in the interest of fair hearing, giving counsel two weeks to prepare.

Justice Kutigi recalled that Maina was released from prison on February 25, 2025, after serving a two-year conviction for money laundering, but has since failed to make himself available for the continuation of his trial.

During the proceedings, prosecution counsel applied for the court to strike out the defence’s objection to the voluntariness of the defendants’ statements, citing the failure to produce Maina for the sub-trial.

The prosecution also requested that Maina be ordered to bear the cost incurred in transporting equipment needed to replay video recordings of the extra-judicial statements.

In response, the defence challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that Maina had already been convicted and served his sentence.

The prosecution promised to file a formal response at the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to March 9, 2026, for the commencement of the trial-within-trial and hearing on the issue of jurisdiction.