16 June 2011
The trial of Ugandan businessman Michael Ezra Mulyoowa in Nairobi over alleged issuance of bouncing cheques, has been put on hold until his new lawyer gets witness statements.
Makadara Chief Magistrate, Martin Muya, extended the matter to July 29, in which the businessman who once bid to buy Leeds Football Club in the United Kingdom is facing a Shs480 million fraud case.
Mr Muya was forced to adjourn the case to enable the prosecution supply Mr Mulyoowa with witness statements and exhibits to prepare his defence.
Mr Mulyoowa’s lawyer, Eric Mutua, told court he was not supplied with witness statements to prepare his defence. Court heard that Mr Mulyoowa was being defended initially by Mr Christopher Kenyariri, who has since withdrawn from the case, and that the lawyer (Kenyariri) also withdrew a Shs560,000 cash bail he had deposited for the accused.
More cases
Mr Kenyariri has also filed a suit in the High Court against Mr Mulyoowa seeking payment of KShs2,631,505 in legal fees.
Prosecutor Leonard Kurgat told court that he needed time to liaise with the new lawyer to furnish him with witness statements and any other documents which shall be relied on as evidence.
Mr Mulyoowa denies the three cases filed against him by the state for allegedly issuing a bad cheque for $200,000 (Shs480 million) to a company owned by businessman Kamlesh Pattni.
The charges
He is accused of issuing the bad cheque on October 20, 2009 at Ecobank Towers along Muindi Mbingu Street Nairobi County as well as another cheque to SMR Limited knowing he had insufficient funds in his account.
Mr Mulyoowa also faces another count of obtaining goods by false pretences, and yet another bouncing cheque charge, issued to Ms Scholastica Adhiambo Konjalo.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Continued here:
Kenyan Court Delays Trial of Michael Ezra