by Rachel Ogbu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 10 people for defrauding Oyo State Government of N1.59bn.

They included; Alhaji Hakeem Muili, Alhaja Iyabo Giwa, Adeduntan Johnson, Oguntayo Banji, Adesina Jimoh, Johnson Bosede, Adebiyi Olasumbo, Kareem Rasheed, Muili Adedamola and Salewa Adedeji.

All were arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court, Iyaganku, Ibadan following a ruling by Chief Magistrate Durosaro Kehinde-Tijani of the Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan.

According to reports, the court had struck out the case based on the application by the Principal State Counsel, Ademola Ojekunle, on June 4. She cited section 75 and 211(1) of the 1999 constitution empowering the Attorney-General to withdraw the matter.

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The Punch reports:

The suspects were conveyed in the commission’s bus to Lagos.

However, Giwa, who was also present in court, evaded arrest.

The state government had earlier applied, asking for the case to be struck out to allow the EFCC to carry out proper investigation.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, said EFCC had taken over the matter, adding that the defendants would be charged to court, if found culpable by the EFCC.