The Ogun State Government has revealed its intention to present five witnesses to challenge allegations of fund diversion leveled against Governor Dapo Abiodun by the impeached Chairman of Ijebu–East Local Government, Wale Adedayo.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria, this statement was made during Adedayo’s arraignment at a Magistrate Court in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Adedayo, who had accused Governor Abiodun of diverting statutory Federal allocations meant for local government areas in the state, was apprehended in Ijebu-Ife on Monday based on a petition submitted by the state government.
He had been held in custody at the Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, before being arraigned on a two-count charge at the Magistrate Court in Isabo.
The charges filed against him alleged that Adedayo unlawfully published a circular to the public on August 27 in Abeokuta, making false accusations against Governor Abiodun regarding the hijacking of local government funds.
The charges stated that Adedayo either knew or had reason to believe that his statement was a rumor, constituting an offense under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Adedayo pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Insp. Olaide Rawlings, informed the court that five witnesses would be called during the trial.
In response, the defendant’s counsel, Mr. Kayode Akinsola, applied for Adedayo’s bail under Section 265, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Akinsola argued that Adedayo had no criminal record and was unlikely to flee if granted bail. He pointed out that the defendant had consistently cooperated with both the Police and the Department of State Services.
He said, “We want to believe that the prosecution team has concluded its investigation, and that is the reason why we are in court. Hence, the defendant cannot interfere with whatever they may want to do. I urge the court to admit the defendant to bail, who will be willing to stand trial.”
The magistrate, A.K Araba, granted Adedayo bail in the sum of two million Naira, with two “responsible and reliable sureties” required to provide the same amount. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and possess landed property with valid Certificates of Occupancy and tax clearance.
Adedayo was remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta until the bail conditions are met. The trial is scheduled for October 20.
