Kashamu Vs Obasanjo: Court Adjourn To Nov 17

Justice Valentine Ashi of the Federal Capital
Territory High Court, yesterday, adjourned
further hearing on the N20billion libel suit
that was instituted against former President
Olusegun Obasanjo by the Chairman of the
Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South
West Zone, Buruji Kashamu till November 17.
Alhaji Haruna Rasheed and Barrister
Omotayo Alade-Fawole were testifying in a
libel suit filed by Kashamu challenging a letter
by Obasanjo to President Goodluck Jonathan
published in two newspapers of December
12, 2013 which alleged he was wanted in
the USA for drug-related offences.
Kashamu is seeking the sum of N20 billion in
damages against the former president for
“maliciously and recklessly” publishing a
letter titled: ‘Before It’s too late’ which was
addressed to President Jonathan in
December 2013.
While being cross examined on their
witness’ statements by defence counsel
Gboyega Oyewole, Alhaji Haruna, who
claimed to be an associate of Kashamu,
averred that: “My understanding of the
publication about the plaintiff is that the
plaintiff is a criminal” adding, “since I read
the aforementioned publication I have
dissociated myself from the plaintiff and our
relationship has not been cordial as before.”
When they were asked if they were aware
that Kashamu allegedly failed to clear his
name over his detention in the United
Kingdom for extradition hearing to USA on
alleged drug-related offences in 1998, the
witnesses denied knowledge of the issue.
Counsel to Kashamu, Alex Izinyon (SAN)
applied for an adjournment to enable him
produce an additional witness in court.
Justice Valentine Ashi consequently
adjourned the suit to November 17 for
continuation of hearing.