After Election, Alao Akala Resumes Trial Over Alleged 11.5BN Fraud

The absence of the prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) on Wednesday stalled the continuation of
the trial of former Oyo State governor, Adebayo
Alao-Akala, over alleged N11.5 billion fraud.

Mr Alao-Akala, along with his former
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hosea Agboola; and a businessman, Femi Babalola, are being prosecuted by the EFCC at an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.

The defendants are facing an 11-count charge of conspiracy, awarding contracts without budgetary
provision, obtaining by false pretences, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property, among
others.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday, the EFCC’s counsel, Ben Ubi, told the
court that his witness was on official duty to
monitor elections in Port Harcourt.

Mr Ubi said that he could not go on with the case
because he had listed the order in which the
witnesses would be called, and therefore
requested for an adjournment.

The defence counsel also agreed to the prosecutor’s request for an adjournment.
Muniru Owolabi, the judge, then granted the defendants’ prayers and adjourned the case till May 2.
(NAN).