Matilda Omonaiye/
A former Chairman and four members of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) were dragged to court today over alleged abuse of office.
They were arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
A statement from EFCC spokesman in Ibadan, Mr Ayo Oyewole, identifies the suspects as the Former Chairman of Edo State SUBEB, Prince Stephen Alao and four other members of the board; Adams Osabuohie, (Director of Finance and Administration), Dove Momodu (member), Mallam Ali Sulayman (Acting Board Chairman) and Dr. Aisosa Amadaun (Member).
They appeared before Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele of the State High Court 5, Criminal Division sitting in Benin City, Edo State on different and separate count charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring corrupt advantage upon self and knowingly holding private interest in a contract award and abuse of office respectively.
The statement says: “Prince Alao and his co-travellers were arraigned on a 50-count charge respectively. They however pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
“In view of their plea, the Defense counsel, F. Eleme, M. C. Ohio and I. Aiguobaruejhin file bail applications on behalf of the defendants and served the Prosecution Counsel led by Dr. Benedict Ubi in court. The Prosecution Counsel however prayed the court for time to study and enable them react to the application.
“The court adjourned till 9th October, 2017 for hearing on the bail application and 26th and 27th, October, 2017 for hearing of the substantive matter. They are to be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.
“One the charges preferred against them reads that you Prince Stephen Alao, Adams Osabuohien, Dove Momodu, Mallam Ali Sulayman and Dr. Aisosa Amadasun, sometimes in the years 2013 to 2016, at Edo State conspired to commit an offence under Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, No. 5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2000.
“The journey to the dock for Prince Alao and his co-travellers followed a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alleging that the former SUBEB Chair and others allegedly abused their office and fraudulently divert public funds through payments for non-existent contracts, diversion of Tender fees and illegal sales of government properties.”
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