Council boss, 5 others arraigned for contract scam in Edo
Council boss, 5 others arraigned for contract scam in Edo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned the chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Akerejola Folorunsho, on a 12-count charge of criminal conspiracy running into millions of naira, before Justice E.A Edigin of the Edo State High Court, Benin city.
Others arraigned alongside Mr. Folorunsho on the same charges were Ogbekhiulu Benjamin, Enabulele Ferguson, John Oyana, Victor Ewelafoh, Gadimoh Ozavesh and Amuda Balogun.
The six accused, in various capacities, allegedly inflated contracts and forged documents for projects executed in the council.
The projects in question are renovation and re-opening of Erhurun Maternity, procurement of three transformers, procurement of six Toyota Buses for mass transit and installation of 300kVA transformer at Sasaro village.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase, then asked the court for a date for hearing.
However, the team of defence counsel led by B.S. Osamoje told the court that they had filed individual applications for bail for the six accused dated February 2 and served on the prosecution.
Justice Edigin admitted the accused persons to bail in the sum of N3 million each with one surety in like sum.
The sureties, who shall be resident in Edo State, are to deposit two passport photographs each with the court and swear to an affidavit of means.
The case was adjourned to April 19, 20, 21, and 22 for hearing.
