N1.7b Pension Scam: EFCC Docks Ex-Boss Of Scheme, 11 Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Thursday arraigned 12 former officials of the Oyo State Local Government Pensions Board before Justice Bolaji Yusuf of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, western Nigeria.

They were charged with diverting N1.7 billion pension fund.

The former officials who were arraigned on 231 counts are: Executive Secretary of the board, Mrs. Muili Hakeem Aderemi;  treasurer, Iyabo Giwa; cashier, Adeshina Jimoh Ayoade; internal auditor, Oguntayo Banji; and admin officer, Adebiyi Olasunbo.

Others are Adewale Kekinde, Olujimi Adebayo, Kareem Rashidi, Johnson Bosede, Adeduntan Johnson, Adeleke Kudirat Iyabo, and Muili Adedamola.

As at the time of filing this report, the counts were still being read to the accused. However, they all pleaded not guilty to all the counts that had been read to them.

The court was filled to capacity with pensioners. Most of the pensioners that could not enter the court room sat on grass outside the crowded court room, discussing the issue.

Some pensioners who spoke to P.M.NEWS said that the alleged fraud perpetrated  by the accused persons has caused them grievous problems, saying that most pensioners had died as a result of not having money to take care of themselves.

They urged the court to ensure that justice is done, saying that if justice is denied them, they would take their case to God Almighty.

—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan