EFCC vs Gbenga Daniel Latest: EFCC Files Additional 27-Count Charges Against Otunba Gbenga Daniel

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) yesterday, filed an additional 27-count charges against former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. The former governor, who was initially facing a 16-count charge would now be tried on a 43-count charge by the anti-graft agency.

In the additional prove of evidence presented before the Federal High Court Sitting in Abeokuta, the by the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, Daniel was alleged to have failed to declare his assets contrary to Section 27(3)(b) of the EFCC Act, 2004. 

The former governor was also accused of corruptly obtaining property to section 10 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related offences Act, No. 5 of 2000, alleging that on March 9, 2005, the former governor did obtain the sum of N7.4million from Aron Nigeria Limited for the benefit of Blue Chapel Limited (a company incorporated and owned by him and the wife). 

Daniel was also alleged of stealing contrary to section 390 (4) (f) of the criminal code law, laws of Ogun State, stating that the former governor fraudulently converted an aggregate sum N911,958, 468. 54, property of Ogun state government to the use of Toner World oil and Gas Limited, which sum was part of the funds meant for the execution of Ijebu Ode Water project awarded by the Ogun state government.

However, at the hearing yesterday, the lead counsel to the accused, Prof. Taiwo Osiptapan, told the court that: “We need to sit to look at the amendment thoroughly and as well digest it", adding that "if it took them (prosecuting counsel) one month to make an amendment, we also need one month to look at the document page by page to discuss it with the client.”

Osipitan added that the prosecutor indicated that charges should be amended, stating that it had been done but the charges and proof of evidence were in two volumes precisely 1,063 pages. Meanwhile, Jacobs told the court that it was true that the amended information was filed this yesterday to make it 43 in all, saying not the entire information were new but majority of the old charges were there.

The presiding judge, Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje, however, adjourned further hearing to January 19, 2012 for both parties to put their house in order ahead of the next hearing.