EFCC arraigns Edo Council Chairman, gets bail

AGENE GODWIN, Benin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Friday arraigned Akoko Edo Council Chairman, Mr. Joseph Akerejola and 5 others before the Benin High Court three.

Akerejola, Engineer Victor Ewelaku, Gabimor Ogabashe, and three others who were arraigned on a 12 count charge bothering on criminal conspiracy, fraud, forgery and diversion of funds all pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Defense counsel to the accused persons, P.S Osamwonyi who led other lawyers to court, said they had filed for a summon to admit to bail on February 2nd 2016 under section 118 sub section 1 of the criminal procedure law caps 49 of the Bendel state of Nigeria applicable in Edo State and prayed the court to consolidate the bail in favour of the accused persons using Akerejola template as a council Chairman who since 2013, has been on administrative bail and has on no account been wanted by the office of the prosecution that he has failed.

He therefore pray the court to use its discretion to grant bail to the accused based on his personal cognisance.

He added that the bail application is supported by an affidavit, two exhibits and a written address in accordance with the rule of law.

In her ruling, Justice Esther Edigin said the charges were misdemeanors and consolidated the bail application.

Justice Edigin therefore granted the accused persons bail with a surety, N3 million in like sum with two passport photographs, an affidavit and must be residents in Edo State.

Reacting to the judgement, the EFCC prosecutor, Ehi Odiase said though bail conditions is at the discretion of the court, the accused persons have also sworn to present themselves throughout the day to day trial which was granted by the court.

He said the EFCC will present its witnesses to convince the court of the corruption that was investigated.

The case was adjourned to 19th to 27th of April for further hearing.