An Edo State High Court on Thursday remanded former Chairman of Edo
State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Stephen Alao, and four
other members of the board in prison for alleged diversion of N200
million.
Mr. Alao; Adams Osabuohie, Director of Finance and Administration;
Dove Momodu, member; Ali Sulayman, Acting Board Chairman; and Aisosa
Amadaun, Member; were arraigned by the Ibadan zonal office of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a 50-count charge before the
court presided over by Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele.
They were accused of criminal conspiracy, conferring corrupt
advantage upon self and knowingly holding private interest in a contract
award and abuse of office.
One the charges preferred against them reads: “That you Prince
Stephen Alao, Adams Osabuohien, Dove Momodu, Mallam Ali Sulayman and Dr.
Aisosa Amadasun, sometimes in the years 2013 to 2016, at Edo State
conspired to commit an offence under Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Offences Act, No. 5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2000.”
The accused persons’ journey to the dock followed a petition to the
EFCC alleging that they abused their office and fraudulently diverted
public funds through payments for non-existent contracts, diversion of
tender fees and illegal sale of government properties.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
In view of their plea, the defence counsel, F. Eleme, M. C. Ohio and
I. Aiguobaruejhin, filed bail applications on their behalf and served
the prosecution counsel led by Benedict Ubi in court.
The prosecution counsel prayed the court for time to study and enable them react to the applications.
The court adjourned hearing on the bail applications till October 19;
and October 26 and 27 for hearing of the substantive matter.