On April 25, 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Oleyelogun David Bamidele, along with Felemu Olusegun Gudubankole, Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, and Oyadeji Oludeji, Secretary to the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, before Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye of the Ondo State High Court on charges of fraud.
The charges, brought by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC, include allegations of conspiracy and using their positions to gain corrupt or unfair advantages. Specifically, the three defendants are accused of conspiring to receive and keep N2,440,000.00 meant for a seminar they did not attend. During their arraignment, they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the defendants’ plea, the prosecution counsel, K.U. Udus, requested a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in custody. However, the defendants’ counsel, F.E. Emodamore, urged the court to reject the EFCC’s request and allow the defendants to remain on administrative bail, citing one defendant’s health issues.
Justice Adebusoye ruled in favor of the defendants’ counsel, allowing them to remain on administrative bail and setting the trial date for May 18, 2023. It is important for all parties to cooperate with the EFCC to ensure a fair trial and for justice to be served in this case.
