The trial of embattled former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday, December 1, resumed at a Federal High Court in Lagos with prosecution — the EFCC — giving more evidence.
The prosecution called its 11th witness, Mrs Joanne Tolulope; who narrated how one Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, allegedly bought property worth millions of naira.
Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); for alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering.
He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun.
The former governor was arraigned by the EFCC alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd; on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering.
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He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.
Fayose was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.
He also pleaded not guilty to the charge and was allowed to continue on the bail earlier granted him, while the case was adjourned for trial.
During the examination of the witness on Wednesday by the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness told the court that Agbele bought four charlets from her company Still Earth Ltd. between March and July 2015.
The witness, an in-house counsel for Still Earth Ltd., said that the company dealt in real estate and also renovated property.
She testified that sometime, from March to July 2015, her company was contacted by Agbele, via a phone call, to inquire if there were property available for sale.
“Incidentally, we had properties for sale; we discussed about Agbele’s availability for inspection.
“He came sometime in March 2015 to inspect the properties and requested for two charlets; of three bedrooms and four bedrooms, respectively, and paid N575 million and some fractions for the property,” she said.
She said that in July 2015, Agbele approached the company and bought charlets for about N573 million.
“He also approached us to register the deed of assignment; in the name of JJ Technical Services,” she added.
However, an attempt by the prosecutor to tender the deed of assignment as an exhibit; was resisted by Fayose’s counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN), who contested its admissibility.
Following the objection, the prosecution counsel sought to withdraw the document, saying that it could be tendered later in the trial.
The trial will continue on Thursday.
