Alleged N700m fraud: Court docks Ize-Iyamu, four others, fixes March 26 for ruling  

TRACKING_____Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Benin City has fixed March 26, 2020, for the ruling on applications filed by former Peoples Democratic party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and four others challenging the competency of the charges raised against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The four other defendants in the suit include the state PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih; former Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Imasuen; former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Tony Azegbemi and Efe Anthony.

Recall that the anti-graft agency in Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 had filed an eight count charge against the accused persons bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election, contrary to the provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

The EFCC further accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award.

On resumption of hearing on Monday, March 2, 2020, counsels to the five defendants, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), Kingsley Obamogie Esq, Pascal Ugbome Esq, Prof. O.G Izevbuwa Esq and Ikhide Ehighalua Esq, after adopting their written addresses urged the court to strike out the charges against the defendants on the grounds that they were incompetent.