Impeached Ijebu East LG Chairman Arraigned: Accuses Governor of Fund Diversion
The Police in Ogun State have brought formal charges against Wale Adedayo, the impeached Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area.
He appeared before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abeokuta as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Accusations of Fund Diversion
The case stems from Adedayo’s accusations against Governor Dapo Abiodun, alleging the diversion of statutory Federal allocations intended for all 20 Local Government Areas in the state.
He had also taken the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for a probe into these allegations.
Suspension and Interrogation
In response to the allegations against the state governor, Adedayo faced suspension by seven councillors from the LG.
He was further subjected to a three-day interrogation by the Department of State Security (DSS), Ogun Command, in Abeokuta.
Impeachment and Arrest
On September 14, a significant development occurred as Adedayo was impeached by a majority of five out of the eleven Councillors in the LG.
Subsequently, operatives of the Police command arrested him on September 25 in Ijebu-Ife, relocating him to the Police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Formal Charges and Court Appearance
Adedayo was formally arraigned on September 26, facing a two-count charge before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta.
These charges were based on a petition filed by the state government and titled “Petition against Wale Adedayo’s deliberate circulation of falsehood, false report to government, threat to life and interference with the exercise of executive function,” signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.
Details of the Charges
The two-count charge leveled against Adedayo include allegations of unlawful publication of false information, which were likely to cause fear and alarm in the public, and publishing false allegations intended to injure the reputation of the Governor. These charges were brought under specific sections of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State.
Bail Application and Ruling
During the court proceedings, the Defendant’s Counsel, Kayode Akinsola, applied for the bail of Adedayo, arguing that the alleged offenses were bailable.
Inspector Olaide Rawlings, the Prosecutor, did not object to the bail application.
Bail Conditions and Remand
Magistrate A.K Araba granted bail to Adedayo with a sum of N2 million and required two “responsible and reliable sureties” who must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction and possess landed property with tax clearance.
However, the Magistrate ordered Adedayo’s remand at Ibara Correctional facility, Abeokuta, pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
Next Court Date
The court set the next trial date for October 20, 2023, when the legal proceedings will continue.
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