Lagos Speaker, Ikuforiji’s aide’s trial stalled

The accused is being arraigned for allegedly stealing N32.5 million.

The trial of an aide to Adeyemi Ikuforiji- Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly- on Wednesday suffered a setback, following the prosecution’s denial of being served a counter-affidavit.

The aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, is facing charges of conspiracy, stealing of N32.5 million and intent to defraud, before Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, arraigned Mr. Atoyebi on February 8, along with Olayinka Sanni, a former Manager of Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank).

Messrs. Atoyebi and Sanni are also standing trial on charges of conspiracy, stealing and forgery before Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, also of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

The trial before Justice Candide-Johnson could not go on as scheduled on Wednesday, because the counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, said he was yet to be served a counter-affidavit.

Counsels to the defendants, Seyi Sowemimo and Abiodun Onidare, told the court that they were unaware that Mr. Oyedepo has not been served the counter-affidavit filed by them.

Justice Candide-Johnson consequently adjourned the case till February 14 for commencement of hearing.

(NAN)