Speaker, Ondo Assembly, Two Others Docked For Alleged Fraud

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday commenced the trial of the speaker, Ondo State House Of Assembly, Bamidele Oloyeloogun at the state High Court in Akure over alleged fraud.

Also arraigned before the court, with the speaker, were the lawmaker representing Akoko South-West Constituency 2, Felemu Bankole and a civil servant, Segun Oyadeyi Bankole.

The Speaker alongside others was docked on two-count charged involving fraud. They however pleaded not guilty of the allegations.

During the trial, 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 were still active.

He explained that the second defendant, oleyelogun ,is having health challenge that needed urgent medical attention.

Emodamore also asked the court to caution the nominal complainant and lawmaker representing Odigbo 1, Iroju Ogundeji in the case for allegedly sending messages to the speaker in an attempt to annoy him.

According to him, if Ogundeji did not desist from such action, he would be prosecuted as his actions towards the speaker is against the law.

In his ruling, Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye asked the defendants to continue enjoying their administrative bail till the next hearing date, as he adjourned the case till May 18 for proper hearing.