Alao-Akala: Court orders EFCC official, others to appear in N11.5bn fraud trial

adebayo alao-akala

Justice Olalekan Owolabi of a High Court in Ibadan on Thursday ordered an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Muhammed Goldy, to appear to testify in the alleged N11.5 billion fraud case filed against former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others.

The EFCC charged Alao-Akala, former Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hosea Agboola; and a businessman, Femi Babalola; on 11 counts of conspiracy and fraud.

The summons followed an application given in that respect by EFCC counsel, Benedict Ubi.

Also summoned are officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Finance, Olutoyin Akanmu, Florence Oyebanji, and Adebayo Bankole.

Others are Ademola Ojo of No 4 Bodija area, Thomas Oladokun from Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Director, Federal Ministry of Works in-charge of Oyo and Osun States.

The judge held that the application moved by the prosecutor was a bit late, but it was proper to grant it in the interest of fair hearing.

The judge also held that the application to close the case of the prosecution earlier moved by the defence counsel would amount to denying the prosecutor fair hearing.

He adjourned the case until February 14 for continuation of hearing.