The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the speaker, Ondo State House Of Assembly, Bamidele Oloyeloogun before the state High Court in Akure,Over alleged fraud .
The arraignment on Tuesday marked the begining of the official trial of the head of the state’s legislature.
Also arraigned are the lawmaker representing Akoko South-West Constituency 1, Felemu Bankole and a civil servant Segun Oyadeyi Bankole.
The Speaker and the coaccused were docked on a two-count charge bordering on fraud.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the allegations level against them.
During the trial, the counsel to the EFCC, Kingsley Kudus asked the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Facility, arguing that even though they had pleaded not guilty, they were still in the hands of the court while the trial continues.
But counsel to the defendants, Femi Emodamore who told the court that he was fully prepared for the commencement and continuation of the trial, asked the court to strike out EFCC’s prayer for remand saying the administrative bail application on the defendants are still active.
He said the Speaker had health challenges that needed urgent medical attention.
Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye ruled that the defendants reserved the right to enjoy their administrative bail till the next hearing.
The trial judge then adjourned the case till May 18,2023 for proper hearing of the matter.
