11th March, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Justice A.M. Liman of the Benin division of the Federal High Court, has fixed 17 April, 2015, for judgment on the N25 billion money laundering charge levelled against aides to the former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion and five others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The accused are Michael Igbinedion, younger brother to the former governor of Edo state who also served as his personal assistant, Patrick Eboigbodin, then Accountant-General of the state and four corporate entities, namely, Gava Corporation Limited, Romrig Nigeria Limited, PMI Securities Company Limited and PML (Nigeria) Limited.
The anti-graft agency had on 8 February, 2011, charged the former governor and six others before a Federal High Court in Benin, on a 66-count charge.
Justice Liman announced the date for the judgment on Tuesday after counsel to the parties adopted their final written addresses, Justice Liman
In their final written addresses, counsel to the defendants, Abubakar Shamsudeen and Richard O. Ahonaruogo, urged the court to discharge and acquit their clients on the charges levelled against them by the EFCC.
Justice Liman who had earlier tendered an apology to the parties in the case over the long delay in delivery of judgment, said the delay was due to his ill-health and not by want of attention or diligence on the part of the court.
“Let me express my apology for the delay in giving judgment in this case. Judgment has been adjourned for about three or four times on this matter and the delay is not for want of attention or lack of diligence on the part of the court but for unwarranted circumstances occasioned by my ill-health,” he said.