The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June
17, secured the conviction of Mr. Jalekun Omitawoju Yisau and nine other
defendants in a case of alleged conspiracy, misappropriation and diversion of
funds to the tune of N115 million.
Others convicted are Afribiz Viables Ventures, Allied
Aque-Forte Ventures, Manifield Mercies Ventures, Agbeloba Agrotech Ventures
Ltd, Torosbury International Agency Ltd, Cradle Engineering Services Ltd, Momm
Limited, Al-Tora Allied Business, Arieco Trading Ventures. Their sentence
followed their change of plea from “guilty” to “guilty’.
They were first arraigned on October 30, 2014. The judge
convicted and sentenced them to two and half years imprisonment each on counts
1, 3,5,8,10,14 and17. The sentence would, however, take effect from 30th
October, 2014 when the defendants were first arraigned.
They are also to sign a bond with the EFCC, seven days after
their release, to be of good conduct and never get involved in financial crimes
both within and outside Nigeria. Three others, former Director of Institute of
Agriculture, Research and Training (IART), Professor Benjamin Olufemi
Ogunbodede, Zaccheaus Tejumola and Adenose Clement who were charged alongside
the convicts before Justice N. Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court , Ibadan,
Oyo State, maintained their “not guilty” plea.
Meanwhile, Prof Ogunbodede and his cohort would return to
court on July 1, 2016 for the continuation of their trial.
Picture from right, Prof Benjamin Ogunbodede, Jameson
Omitowoju, Zaccheaus Tejumola and Adenose Clement.
Post a Comment