The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned speaker of the 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 One, Felemu Bankole and a civil servant Segun Oyadeyi Bankole. The Speaker alongside others was docked on a two-count charge.
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Deputy speaker, Iroju Ogundeji dragged the Speaker and three others to court over the allegation of diverting two point four million naira meant for a lawmakers’ seminar.
They however pleaded not guilty of the allegations level against them.
During the trial, the counsel to the EFCC, Kingsley Kudus asked the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Facility, saying 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 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 rulling, 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.
Editor: Oloyede Oworu
