EFCC files 27 additional charges against Daniel

The EFCC on Monday in Abeokuta filed additional 27 charges against former Gov. Gbenga Daniel of Ogun, who is currently on trial for corrupt practices.

Daniel had on Oct. 6 pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges of alleged stealing of public funds, illegal deduction of local government funds and diversion of public funds.
The former governor also pleaded not guilty to allegations of false declaration of assets.
At the resumed hearing in the case, Counsel to EFCC, Mr Rotitmi Jacobs, who had on Nov. 17 told the court that the commission was willing to add more to the charges, notified the court of additional 27 new charges.
He told the court that he was ready to open the case, commence trial and prove the 43 charges against the former governor.
In his reaction, Counsel to the accused, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, acknowledged receipt of the additional charges, but pleaded with the court to grant him more time to discuss the new charges with his client before trial could commence.
He cited Sections 268 and 263 of the Criminal Code Panel and 36 (6) Paragraph B of the 1999 Constitution to support his request.
“The accused person has the right to study the charges before trial can commence. It took the EFCC 30 days to file the charges, so we are also asking for time.”
Osipitan argued that the additional charges were lengthy and in two volumes, saying that time would be required to adequately prepare the defence and discuss with his clients.
Opposing his submission, Jacobs said the lengthy nature of the amended charges was not sufficient to seek for an adjournment.
He relied on sections 163 and 164 of the 1999 Constitution to argue his case, but said he would leave the decision to the discretion of the court.

In his ruling, Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje adjourned the matter till Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, 2012 for commencement of trial.

About Faith Irabor 1044 Articles
Welcome on board!!! Faith Irabor is just like your everyday girl next door with strong survival instincts. Am an International Journalist, Events planner and Blogger whose media journey dates back to June 2002 as a TV presenter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Ile-Ife Osun State while I was having my National Diploma in Mass Communication. I left NTA in 2005 to pursue my B.SC in Mass Communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University OOU Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State and finished in 2008 before joining one of Nigeria's best investigative Tabloids (National Enquirer Magazine & www.enquirermag.blogspot.com). I am very privileged to be trained by one of the industry's bests, my boss and mentor Mr. Tunde Moshood Jr, the former Editor of the defunct Fame Magazine, Publisher of National Enquirer and president Miss Global Nigeria who taught me everything I know in Journalism especially the investigative aspect which is the fulfilment of being a member of the Fourth Estate of Realm (as we journalists are usually officially addressed). My desire to take my journalism practice beyond the Newspaper & Magazine came from the passion I have derived over the years from investigative journalism as Online Media is the best platform to tell a story or news the very minute it’s at your disposal without wasting time. I promise to serve you nothing but exclusive and interesting news, interviews, events, articles from around the world and please feel free to email me on faith.irabor@faithirabor.com on spotted errors as well as ideas that would make me do better as there is no perfect being anywhere except God. Now scroll up, click on any of the stories and please drop your comment!!!!

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