ALLEGED N11.5BN FRAUD: Ex-Gov Alao-Akala returns to court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday re-arraigned a former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala for alleged N11.5 billion fraud before the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Also arraigned along the former governor was a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola as well as a contractor and Chief Executive of Pentagon Consults, Mr Olufemi Ademola Babalola.

They were arraigned before Justice L. M. Owolabi, on an eleven-count charge bordering on conspiracy to award contract without budgeting, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and engaging in concealing the genuine nature of the ownership of property.

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The defendants however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
In view of their plea, prosecution counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi applied for a trial date.

However, counsel to the second and third defendants, A.O. Afolabi (SAN) applied that the defendants be allowed to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by the court.
Counsel to the first defendant also aligned himself with the submissions of the other counsel.

Justice Owolabi however granted the defendants prayer and adjourned the case to 6th April, 2018 for trial.

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