Alleged N4.7bn fraud: Ladoja’s trial ends

The trial of a former governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja and one of his aides, Waheed Akanbi, on criminal charges of alleged N4.7 billion fraud preferred against them, yesterday ended after 10 years of legal battle at a Federal High Court Lagos.

The trial ended before Justice Mohammed Idris, with Ladoja mounting the witness box to give evidence in his trial.

Ladoja was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with converting N4.7 billion from the state’s treasury, to his personal use.

He was re-arraigned along with Akanbi, his former Commissioner for Finance, on 11-count charge of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and were granted bail.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after the close of prosecution’s case, the accused had opted to file a no case submission before the court, contending that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

In its ruling, the court had dismissed the no case submission, holding that based on a preponderance of evidence as put forward by prosecution, there was no doubt that the accused had some explanations to make.

The court had then ordered defence to open its defence.

NAN reports that defence has since begun its case and called witnesses.

On Tuesday in his lead evidence, Ladoja denied authorizing the sale of Oyo State shares at discounted prices. (NAN) the