Corruption: Court Remands APC Women Leader, 4 Others Over Contract Scam

An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, yesterday, remanded the Edo State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Aisosa Amadasun in prison custody over alleged case of contract scam.

She was remanded alongside four others for allegedly using their offices while serving as board members of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to award contracts to their cronies after collecting money from them, an act punishable under section 98b (1) (a) (II) of the Criminal Code, CAP. 48, the Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria, as applicable to Edo State.

The accused persons are Dr. Aisosa Amadasun, Adama Osabuohien, Prince Stephen Alao and two others.

They however pleaded not guilty to the 50 counts charges leveled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Counsel to EFCC, Ben Udi argued that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody to enable him study their bail applications
“Five bail applications were served on me today in court and I need time to study them. Therefore, I pray the court to remand them in prison custody to enable me study the documents”, he said.

The defense counsel to the third and fourth accused persons, Ohio Candy, argued that their offense is bailable and not a capital offense.

He argued that a speedy bail would grant the accused persons the opportunity to prepare their case.

He argued that the era of technical justice was over and that the court should use its discretion to grant the accused persons bail.

Defender to the first accused person, Barr. Ivie Fidelis pleaded the court to grant the accused persons bail considering their age and health status.

“Most of them are above 50 years and most of them have health challenges especially the first accused person who was abducted this year.

“I plead that the court should consider their age and health status because if anyone fails down and die, who will continue the case?, he asked.

Having listened to their arguments, the presiding judge, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison pending their bail hearing on October 9, 2017.

He however adjoined the case to 26th October, 2017.