In a significant development in Ogun State, the impeached Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, was arraigned on Monday before a Federal High Court in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital. Joining him in the dock were two principal career officers of the assembly, Dayo Samuel and Adeyemo Adedeji. The trio faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to N2.5 billion.
Oluomo, who allegedly committed this financial fraud during his tenure as Speaker in 2022, was removed last week by 18 of the 26 lawmakers. The allegations against him include financial misappropriation, highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership style, and a lack of transparency.
Despite his removal, Oluomo has contested the legality of this action, stating that he has initiated legal proceedings to challenge his impeachment at the state high court.
The court session, presided over by Justice Agatha Okeke, experienced a delay as the counsel for the anti-graft agency was unable to attend. Consequently, Justice Okeke adjourned the case to February 29 and March 1 for further proceedings.
The EFCC’s involvement dates back to September 2022, when Oluomo was first arrested and later arraigned for allegedly diverting N2.5 billion belonging to the Assembly. The case, filed under suit number FHC/AB/61C/2022, also implicated the Clerk of the House, Taiwo Adeyemo, and the Director of Finance, Oladayo Samuel.
Accusations leveled against the former Speaker and his associates include forging receipts and signatures to misappropriate billions of naira from the legislative house. Following their arraignment, they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail, on the condition of surrendering their travel documents to the court registry.
This case has drawn considerable attention, highlighting issues of financial accountability and integrity within Nigeria’s political landscape. The arraignment of Oluomo and his associates marks a pivotal moment in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial mismanagement in the country’s public sector.
As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by the public and political analysts, keen to see how justice is served in this high-profile financial misconduct case. The outcome is likely to have significant implications for governance and legal proceedings in Nigeria.
