29th January, 2024
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned the impeached Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo for alleged N2.5 billion fraud.
He was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, along with two other principal officers of the Assembly, Dayo Samuel and Adeyemo Adedeji.
The were accused of misappropriation of public funds amounting to N2,5 billion.
The former speaker was alleged to have committed the offence while he was still Speaker of the House in 2022
However, the case could not continue on Monday following the absence of the EFCC’s counsel, with the judge O.O Okeke adjourning the case to 29 February and 1 March, 2024.
Meanwhile, absence of the EFCC’s counsel at the court however, stalled the proceeding from going ahead on Monday.
Oluomo was impeached by 18 of the 26 members of the Assembly on 23 January 2024 on alleged misappropriation of funds.
The lawmakers accused the impeached speaker of embezzlement of quarters renovation fund, non-disclosure of House of Assembly finances, embezzlement of monthly seminar/training fund, embezzlement of philanthropic gesture extended to the House as well as spending house funds on personal travels without the consent and approval of the House.
The lawmakers also accused the impeached speaker of inciting House members against themselves, such as creating conflicts and fanning the ember of discord between legislative and executive arms of government and using foul language against the members.
Oluomo was further accused by the lawmakers of forcing his opinion on members, as well as obstructing and restricting members from performing their legislative duties.
He was also accused of arrogance and poor leadership, such as flagrant disobedience to the court of law and collective decisions of the House and not being a team player.