A Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin the Kwara State capital has vacated the warrant of arrest issued against the former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Ademola Banu following his appearance in court on Monday.
Banu was arraigned alongside the former Governor of the state, Abdulfatah Ahmed on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged mismanagement of public funds to the tune of 10 billion naira while in office.
The former commissioner for finance, Ademola Banu was to appear alongside former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for arraignment in February this year, but he neither appeared nor was he represented in court.
This prompted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s application for a warrant of arrest which was granted by Justice Evelyn Anyadike.
At the commencement of hearing Monday Ademola Banu appeared before the court to take his plea on the 11 counts charge to which he pleaded not guilty, just like his co-defendant ex Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Counsel to the ex Commissioner Gboyega Oyewole SAN applied for the vacation of the initial warrant of arrest and bail for his client, all of which were granted by the court.
Banu was admitted to a bail of 5 million naira with two sureties who must own property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The case has however been adjourned till 25th and 26th of June for commencement of trial.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
