Alleged N1.2bn Fraud: ‎Court Reserves Judgment ‎in Fayose’s Aide’s Suit

By Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Abuja High Court has reserved  judgment in a N500 million suit brought against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by an associate of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Abiodun Agbele, for July 19.

The case was adjourned for judgment after lawyers representing the parties argued thier respective clients’ cases.

Agbele is challenging his detention by the EFCC and seeking to be released on bail by the court.

His lawyers, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo, said that he had been held in EFCC custody since June 27 this year in relation to the N1.3 billion  reportedly traced to the personal account of Governor Fayose.

Agbele urged the court to declare his arrest and detention unlawful and award N500m as compensatory damages against the EFCC for his unlawful arrest and detention.

According to him, his arrest and continued detention beyond the 48 hours allowed by the Constitution, amounted to violation of his rights to freedom of liberty, human dignity and the right to acquire and own properties.

He said unless  the court ordered his rescue, the EFCC would continue to infringe on his rights to freedom of liberty.

While addressing the court yesterday, Ozekhome said that the alleged offences for which his client was being investigated were bailable.

He said:‎ “They are saying that they want time to still investigate more. But this their document is a result of painstaking investigation of an applicant who has been in detention since June 27.”