The trial of former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel began, yesterday, at the State High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta even as the? judge, Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje reserved ruling on the admissibility of? a bank statement? tendered by Daniel’s counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipintan.
Daniel who was re-arraigned on April 15,2012 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)? is facing a 38- count charge bordering on breach of trust, fraudulent conversion of public landed property to personal use, failure to declare his assets truthfully and stealing of over N211m.
In the charge sheet, the EFCC said Daniel stole N211m in several tranches while serving as Governor of the State between 2004 and May 29, 2011.
Daniel was later granted bail for a sum of N500million with two sureties in the like sum.
EFCC had in its charge sheet accused Daniel of engaging in the acts of stealing and bribery, which according to the commission was carried out through companies that the former governor either owned or had interests in.
The companies, according to EFCC, included Kresta Laurel, Conference Hotel, GLD Consults, Silver Springs Investments, Millennium Parks, Blue Chapel and Master Line Company.
It argued that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 439, 393, 434 of the Criminal Code Laws of? Ogun State,2006,while it? contended that the offences were also punishable under? Section 27 (b) (3) and Section 10 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Act No 5 of 2000.
At yesterday’s trial, counsel for EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, crossed examined one of the prosecution witnesses, a staff of Skye Bank, Adebuola Babatunde over the alleged illegal lodgments? of some money by Daniel into Blue Chapel company account .
Adebuola who claimed to be the bank’s Business Development Manager told the court that, he managed the bank account which was opened in 2004 since he was employed by the bank in 2007.
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