The five medical doctors charged with felony have now been acquitted by court

By Jethro Ibileke

Justice Efe Ikponwonba, of Edo State High Court (Criminal Division), on Tuesday dismissed charges of conspiracy and felony brought against Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro and four others.

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred the charge against the former officials of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch.

The defendants were Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro (Chairman), Dr. Anthony Owolabi, Dr. Quincy Atoghengbe, Dr. Raymond Ogieva, and Dr. Oseremen Gabriel Ogbebor.

The anti graft agency had arraigned them in January 2018, over alleged conspiracy to commit felony, punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code CAP 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria as applicable to Edo State.

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The court had in May 2018, ruled that Dr. Quincy Atohengbe and Dr. Raymond Ogieva, had no case to answer.

When the case came up for mentioning on Tuesday, Counsels to the defendants, Imadugbelo Ighodalo (SAN) and K. O. Obamogie, prayed the court to dismiss the charge and acquit the defendants.

On his part, Counsel to the EFCC, S.I. Ibekute, opposed these applications.

After listening to all the arguments and counter arguments, Justice Ikponwonba, in her ruling, dismissed all the charges, and acquitted Dr. Ighodaro and others.