News
Witness absence stalls Fayose’s N2.2bn fraud trial
The N2.2bn fraud trial of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and a firm, Spotless Investment Limited, was stalled on Monday over the inability of the prosecution to bring its witness to court.
The prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos that a relative of the witness scheduled to come had been admitted into a COVID-19 isolation centre.
Jacobs urged the judge to consequently adjourn the case.
The defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), said he had no objection to the request for an adjournment.
Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till October 20, 2020.
READ ALSO:Late Oniru’s children, new oba crisis turns violent
In the charges, the EFCC alleged, among other things, that Fayose, on June 17, 2014, “took possession of the sum of N1, 219, 000,000 to fund your 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State, which you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”
The ex-governor was also alleged to have on the same day “received a cash payment of $5,000,000 from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the then Minister of State for Defence, which sum exceeded the amount authorised by law and you thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 1 and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act.”
The EFCC also alleged that Fayose purchased a property known as No.44, Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, for N200m in the name of “your elder sister, Mrs Moji Oladeji.”
But Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited pleaded not guilty to the charges.
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Johnny Depp claims he helped Amber Heard in landing role in ‘Aquaman’
-
Education5 days ago
EKSU resumes academic activities despite ASUU strike
-
News3 days ago
Ogun police arrest four suspected cult members
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Portable celebrates double Headies nominations, says he worked for it
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Actress Iretiola Doyle appreciates Adesua Etomi for saving her daughter from bullies
-
Sports4 days ago
Premier League Reveal Goalkeepers for Save of the Season Award
-
Entertainment3 days ago
YBNL singer, Asake teases new single, ‘Peace Be Unto You’
-
Business5 days ago
CBN increases interest rate to 13.5%