The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has ordered that court processes be served on the former governor of Edo State, chairman of the All Progressive Party (APC), Adams Oshiomole, over alleged financial fraud while in office. Justice Anwuli Chikere gave the order yesterday while ruling on the ex-parte application brought before the court by Bishop Osadolor Ochei.
The application is specifically seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and commence criminal proceedings against Oshiomole for allegedly diverting state funds into personal use.
Chikere, who ordered that the EFCC should also be served with the same court process, stressed that the service is done within five days from October 9, when the order was made.
The ex-parte, with suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/628/ 2018, and filed by Dr West Idahosa on behalf of the plaintiff, has Oshiomole and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.
While arguing the motion, Idahosa urged the court to allow the respondents to file their reply to the weighty allegations made against them by the applicant.
Ochei had on October 28, 2016, petitioned the EFCC against Oshiomhole, who was governor of Edo State from November 2008 to November 11, 2016.
While praying the court to grant the request of his client, Idahosa referred the court to 86 exhibits filed in support of the application, stressing that there were documents and electronic pictures of palatial houses of the former governor, whose earnings all his life cannot acquire and that there was evidence on how Oshiomhole allegedly diverted money meant for Edo State project to his personal projects.
The council added that there were vouchers of exorbitant airfares that the former governor incurred and that the number of airfares was enough to buy air carrier for the people of Edo State.
Idahosa also stated that there were receipts of how the former governor used a huge amount of states funds to repair his private vehicles and urged the court to grant the relief of his client.
According to him, EFCC has arrested and prosecuted lesser crimes and there was no reason the anti-graft agency should ignore the petition.
The court adjourned the matter till October 23, for arguments from parties in the suit.
