The Court of Appeal Benin City has upheld the appeal of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission as it ruled that a former governor of
Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has a case to answer over
allegations of financial impropriety.
In a unanimous decision, the three panel of justices led by Justice
Helen M. Ogunwunmiju ruled that the former governor should return to the
Federal High Court to face trial for money laundering, misappropriation
of fund and abuse of office.
The other justices are Justice M. M. Saulawa and Justice A. O. Lokulo-Sodipe.
The EFCC approached the Court of Appeal sequel to the judgment of
Justice Adamu Hobon, then of the Federal High Court, Benin City who
dismissed the fresh charge of money laundering filed against the former
governor on the ground that he entered a plea bargain with the EFCC and
was convicted, that the fresh charge brought against him amounts to
double jeopardy.
The appellate court in upholding the appeal of the EFCC ruled that
there was no agreement between Igbinedion and the EFCC that he would not
face trial on fresh allegations and revelations and therefore ruled
that Igbinedion should return to the High Court to face trial for money
laundering and misappropriation of funds.
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