Alleged 2.5bn fraud: Judge’s absence stalls trial of Ex-Ogun Speaker

The hearing into a N2.5bn fraud case filed against the former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was again stalled by the absence of the presiding judge.

Southwestechoes recalled that the anti-graft agency had dragged Oluomo, Dayo Samuel, and Adeyemo Adedeji before the Federal High Court sitting in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, over alleged diversion of funds.

An 11-count charge bordering on forgery; conspiracy and stealing were levelled against the trio, while the court had not been able to hear the case since last year.

On November 21, 2022, pre-election matters had made it impossible for the court to commence hearing of the case.

In January 2023, the matter could not be heard because the judge was reportedly indisposed.

While the case could not come up on March 29, 2023, when Justice Abdulmalik was posted out of Ogun State for post-election Tribunal duties.

Also, three months ago, when the case was called, the court could not hear the case following the absence of EFCC’s counsel.

Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned until the 29th and 30th of May.