The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned the speaker, Ondo State House Of Assembly, Bamidele Oloyeloogun before the state High Court in Akure, Over alleged fraud.
The arraignment on Tuesday marked the beginning of the official trial of the head of the state’s legislature.
Also arraigned before the court, are the lawmaker representing Akoko South-West Constituency 1, Felemu Bankole, and a civil servant Segun Oyadeyi Bankole
The Speaker alongside others was docked on two-count charges involving fraud.
They however pleaded not guilty to the allegations level against them.
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During the trial, the counsel to the EFCC, Kingsley Kudus asked the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Facility, even though they had pleaded not guilty, the defendants were still in the hands of the court while the trial continues.
Reacting, counsel to the defendants, Femi Emodamore who told the court that he was fully prepared for the commencement and continuation of the trial, asked the court to strike out EFCC’s prayer for remand saying the administrative bail application on the defendants is still active.
He explained that the Speaker was having health challenges that needed urgent medical attention.
In his ruling, Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye ruled that defendants still reserved the right to enjoy their administrative bail till the next hearing.
Justice Adebusoye however adjourned the case till May 18, 2023, for a proper hearing of the trial.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
