By Innocent Anaba
LAGOS — The failure of the Federal Government to properly serve the charge it filed against the Anosike brothers over alleged criminal conduct and stealing of over N3 billion worth of property belonging to Daily Times of Nigeria, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, again stalled their formal arraignment.

The Federal Government, had last year, filed a charge against Noel and Joel Anosike, their company, Folio Communication and one Gogo Kurubo for criminal conspiracy over the purchase of Daily Times of Nigeria, but up till date, the accused persons have not been formally arraigned in court.

The issue of proper service, according to the trial judge in the matter, Justice Pat Ajoku, prompted the court to further adjourn the matter.

At the hearing of the matter, yesterday, a new defence counsel argued that they had filed motions, challenging  the affidavit of purported service of the charge sheet on the accused persons.

But the prosecuting counsel expressed surprised at the turn of event, saying  the counsel, who represented the accused in court at the last adjourned date did promise that the accused persons would be in court for arraignment.

After perusing the file, Justice Ajoku said it was evident that the accused persons were not properly served with the charge sheet and the court subsequently directed  the prosecution to serve the accused persons with the charge for the purposes of their arraignment.

Meanwhile, further hearing in the matter has been adjourned till  March 24.