In the ongoing trial of the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oleyelogun David Bamidele, and two others, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witness om Thursday at the Ondo State High Court, presided over by Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye.
The other two individuals on trial are Hon. Felemu Gudubamikole, chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, and Oyadeji Oludeji, Secretary to the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Audu, the first prosecution witness, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, informed the court about his discovery that a sum of N2.4 million was collected on his behalf and on behalf of members of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions for a workshop in Lagos, which he was not aware of.
He stated that upon discovering this, he approached the Speaker and requested him to reimburse the money to the government.
“I urged him to return the money to the government treasury as I did not want my office to be associated with defrauding the government. However, even after several months, I saw no evidence of the money being repaid. I personally wrote to him, insisting that he should repay the money to the government,” he testified before the court.
The prosecution witness, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, submitted documents related to the release of the funds, which were admitted as exhibits.
The defence counsel, Femi Emmanuel Emodamori, cross-examined the witness.
Justice Adebusoye adjourned the case until July 25th and 26th for continuation of trial.
The three individuals were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC on two counts of conspiracy and using their positions to confer corrupt or unfair advantages upon one another.
The charges allege that Oleyelogun, Gudubankole, and Kayode conspired to engage in corrupt practices by receiving and retaining the sum of N2,440,000.00, which was intended for attending a seminar they never actually attended.
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