Daniel’s Case Adjourned Till 28 Nov

Gbenga Daniel

Ex-governor Gbenga Daniel

Gov. Gbenga Daniel

A Ogun State High Court sitting in  Isabo, Abeokuta, has adjourned the trial of former governor of  the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel to Monday, 28 November.

The former governor was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 16-count charge ranging from fraudulent convertion of state funds, non declaration of assets to illegal deduction of local government funds.

At the commencement of the hearing today which was presided by Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje, counsel to the EFCC, Barrister. Rotimi Jacob, prayed for an adjournment to enable him amend the charges.

Counsel to the defendant, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) did not object to the prayer of the prosecution counsel and after consultation by both counsel, the court granted the adjournment.

The presiding judge adjourned the case till Monday, 28 November, 2011.

Justice  Mabekoje said the adjournment is necessary to allow both parties prepare for the trial.

He said: “The case is hereby adjourned till 28 November, 2011 to enable the prosecution amend the charges and also allow the defense counsel to prepare their response.”

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was clad in a white agbada with his usual OGD black cap, arrived the court seven minutes after the commencement of the trial at 9a.m.

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The court was filled with supporters of the embattled former governor.

Some of the supporters in court include his former deputy, Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru, Deji Kalejaiye, PPN House of Assembly candidate for Odogbolu State Constituency in the last election and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel.

Speaking with newsmen after the court proceeding, counsel to the accused, Prof. Osipitan disclosed that he was ready for the trial

“We are prepared to commence the trial today, but they requested for more time to amend the charges. This means they are not ready. Let me make one thing clear;  any time they are set, we are fully prepared for them,” he said

Otunba Gbenga Daniel was arraigned in court by the anti graft agency on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011. The presiding judge later ordered that the former governor of Ogun State be remanded in the custody of the EFCC till Friday, 14 October for the hearing of his bail application.

He was granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

— Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

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