EDO: Court fixes date for arraignment of Pastor Ize-Iyamu, ex-Dep Gov, PDP chair, others

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has adjourned to June 11, 2018 for the arraignment of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a PDP governoship candidate in the last gubernatorial election in Edo state.

Four others to be arraigned along with him, are: Lucky Imasuen, former deputy governor of Edo State; Chief Dan Orbih, PDP chairman in Edo State; Tony Azigbemi and Efe Erimuoghae Anthony.

The quintet were said to have conspired among themselves to committ an offence contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

During court proceedings on Wednesday, the arraignment of the defendants could not hold because of the failure of Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Chief Orbih to appear in court in person.

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Counsel to Dan Orbih, Chief Ferdinard O. Orbih, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, told the court that his client was outside the shores of Nigeria attending to his health needs.

He further told the court that it was out of respect his client had for the court that he instructed him to be in court and that his client would be available at the next court sitting.

The same argument was canvassed by Ikhide Ehighelua, counsel to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who told the court that his client was out of the country attending to his health.

The EFCC is seeking to prosecute the five top PDP members in Edo State over their alleged role in the N700 million they purportedly received prior to the 2015 general election.

Political analysts believe that the on-going trials may not be unconnected with local politics intended to keep the most vocal opposition party in check ahead 2019. The PDP has also variously accused the ruling party, APC, of witch-hunt and blackmail.

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