The Federal High Court sitting in Benin Tuesday adjourned the trial of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming September 19 governorship in Edo State, and others to October 15, 2020.
The APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the immediate past state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Orbih, the incumbent state chairman of PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, former Deputy Governor of Edo State Lucky Imasuen, and Efe Erimuoghae Anthony are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The accused are facing eight-count charges bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election.
The anti-graft agency in suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 also 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.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, the presiding judge Justice Mohammed Garba Umar adjourned the case to October 15, 2020 for continuation of hearing.
The adjournment was sequel to the plea by Ahmed Imoovba, counsel to EFCC, asking the court to grant him time to file reply to the objection of the defendants.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, who however, granted the counsel seven days to file reply adjourned the case to October 15, 2020 due to the court’s vacation scheduled to commence by end of July.
The defendants Counsel had earlier filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.
Meanwhile, the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, was in court in obedience to the court order which had July 7, ordered the accused to appear in court unfailingly.
Counsel to the APC candidate, Charles Edosomwan (SAN) had on July 7, told the court that his client couldn’t make it to the court because he is indisposed, and presented a medical report as evidence.
