An Ogun State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, on Thursday, refused the application by former Works and Housing Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, to quash the charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ogunlewe is standing trial before Justice O.O. Majekodunmi, alongside FUNAAB’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole and Bursar, Mr. Moses Olusola Ilesanmi.
Lead counsel to Ogunlewe, who is the first accused, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had approached the court that his client wanted the charges against him dismissed on the grounds that the charges were bad; that the proof of evidence produced by the complainant neither linked the first accused with the aforesaid counts nor did it disclose any prima facie case against him; and that the consent of the Attorney General of Ogun State/Law Officer was not obtained as required by law before filing the charge.
After the adoption of the written addresses made by parties, Justice Majekodunmi dismissed all the grounds raised by the defence team and ruled in favour of the EFCC.
The prosecution counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi, thereafter, sought for commencement of trial, informing the court there were three witnesses in court ready to testify.
But counsels to the three accused persons requested for an adjournment on the ground that they had just been served additional proof of evidence and would need time to study the documents.
The court granted their request and adjourned the case to March 8 and 10, 2017 for the commencement of trial
The accused persons were first arraigned by the EFCC, on November 25, 2016, on an 18-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office.
0
No sacred cows please, the law should apply to both the rich, famous and the poor. Loads of looters are still serving in this present government, I believe at some point, all sinners shall account for their sins.