Court dismisses Ladoja’s ‘no case’ submission

Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ruled that former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State has a case to answer.

He dismissed his application challenging the alleged N4.7 billion suit filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The agency had alleged that he converted the N4.7 billion from Oyo State treasury to his personal use.

Ladoja was re-arraigned alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Waheed Akanbi, on 11-count charge of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

It said their offences contravene the provisions of Sections 14, 16, 17 (a) and 18 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004,

The accused had pleaded not guilty to all the charges against. After the close of prosecution’s case, the counsel argued that the prosecution failed to establish a case against them.

Justice Idris held that, based on evidence by the prosecution, the accused had some explanations to make.

The judge held “In the light of all the evidence tendered by the prosecution, and in my opinion, the defendants might have to explain the contents of some of those exhibits, and ordered the accused to open defence.”

Following the ruling, defendants counsel, Bolaji Onilenla prayed for an adjournment to enable the accused to open his defence.

The judge therefore adjourned the case till November 20,2018.