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EFCC re-arraigns Fayose, grants him permission for medical trip abroad

By Joseph Onyekwere (Lagos) and Bridget Chiedu Onochie (Abuja)
03 July 2019   |   3:38 am
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday granted permission to former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose for medical trip abroad.

[FILE PHOTO] Ekiti state governor, Fayose

Gives Dokpesi leave to travel overseas for check-up

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday granted permission to former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose for medical trip abroad.

This followed his re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 11 counts charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering amounting to N2.2 billion.Ruling on Fayose’s application, Justice Aneke granted him permission to travel to South Africa for medical treatment, ordering him to return his travel documents to the court on or before September 16, 2019.

Fayose, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on the same terms and conditions earlier granted by former trial judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun. Justice Aneke thereafter adjourned the matter to September 16-19, September 21, 2019 and October 25, 2019 for trial.

The former governor, who was re-arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Limited, was accused of misapplying N1.2 billion 2014 for his gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State.EFCC said the action was a criminal breach of trust and stealing, as it was contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4) of the Act.

He was also accused of receiving $5 million from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, saying the offence is contrary to sections 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 16 (2) (b).EFCC also accused him of retaining N300million in his fixed deposit account about April 7, 2015, among others.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court, Abuja granted an application by founder, Daar Communications Plc, ‎Raymond Dokpesi, seeking release of his international passport to enable him travel for medical check-up abroad.

The sitting, which was originally slated for Dokpesi to enter his defense in the money laundering allegation suit the Federal Government brought against him was however, stalled as lead defense counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), was away on election matters.However, at resumed sitting yesterday, prosecution counsel, Adeleke Atolagbe told the court that the case was adjourned for the defendant to enter his defense, but he was presented with a letter stating that trial would not proceed.

Responding, a defense counsel holding brief for Agabi (SAN) explained that the lead counsel was at an election tribunal in Taraba State and that it may take some time for him to conclude his assignment there.He, therefore, prayed the court for some time to enable the lead defense counsel return to commence the defense.

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