Alleged N11.5b fraud: Alao-Akala subpoena EFCC official, police officer as witnesses

Alao-Akala subpoena EFCC official

The trial of the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others over an alleged Eleven Billion, Five Hundred Million naira (N11.5b) could not proceed Thursday 14th October 2021 as the defendants failed to produce witnesses in court.

The defendants have been facing trial bordering on conspiracy, awarding contracts without budgetary provision and obtaining money by false pretence.

At the resumed hearing of the suit Thursday, Mr Akeem Afolabi (SAN), counsel to Otunba Alao – Akala and Femi Babalola pleaded with the court for an adjournment, informing the court that they are yet to serve the subpoena order on the witnesses they intended to call.

Richard Ogunwole (SAN), counsel to Hosea Agboola also said that he align with the submission of the counsel to Otunba Alao-Akala even as he urged the court for an adjournment.

The counsel gave the name of the subpoena witnesses as Mr Muhammed Goji, an official of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a senior police officer, Usman Dahiru. He urged the court for an adjournment for them to serve and bring the witnesses to court.

The counsel to EFCC, Mr Benedict Ubi, who confirmed receipt of the subpoena order, pledged to serve the subpoena on the witnesses and ensured that they are brought to court.

It will be recalled that Otunba Alao-Akala, alongside Hosea Agboola, the former Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter and Femi Babalola, a businessman were alleged by the EFCC to have conspired to syphoned the sum If Eleven Billion, Five Hundred Million naira (N11.5b) while in office. They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The EFCC had closed its case against the defendants while Otunba Alao-Akala and the other defendants filed a no-case submission, insisting that prima facie evidence has not been established against them. Justice Olalekan Owolabi on 1st July 2021 held that they indeed have a case to answer and subsequently ordered them to open their defence.

Justice Owolabi, thereafter adjourned further hearing in the suit till 21st and 22nd October 2021.

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