Court remands ex-Edo SUBEB chair Alao, four others in prison custody
Andrew Orolua, Abuja
The Edo State high Court on Thursday remanded a former Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prince Stephen Alao and four other members of the board in prison custody pending the hearing of their bail application.
The remand order followed the arraignment of Prince Alao , the Director of Finance and Administration),Adams Osabuohie, (Director of Finance and Administration), Dove Momodu , Acting Board Chairman Mallam Ali Sulayman and Dr. Aisosa Amadaun on charges of conspiracy, self enrichment and corruption by Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).
A statement issued by the Head ,Media & Publicity Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said the defendants were remanded by Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele of the Edo State High Court, Benin City, on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring corrupt advantage upon self and knowingly holding private interest in a contract award and abuse of office.
But they all pleaded not guilty to the charges and in view of their plea, the defence counsel, F. Eleme, M. C. Ohio and I. Aiguobaruejhin filed bail applications on behalf of the defendants and served the prosecution team led by Benedict Ubi .
The prosecution counsel however prayed the court for time to study and respond to the application.
The court adjourned till 9th October, 2017 for hearing on the bail application and 26th and 27th, October, 2017 for hearing of the substantive matter.
They are to be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.
One of the charges preferred against them reads, “that you Prince Stephen Alao, Adams Osabuohien, Dove Momodu, Mallam Ali Sulayman and Dr. Aisosa Amadasun, sometime in the years 2013 to 2016, at Edo State conspired to commit an offence under Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, No. 5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2000.”
The accused persons allegedly abused their office and fraudulently diverted public funds through payments for non-existent contracts, diversion of Tender fees and illegal sale of government properties.
