Court summons Oyo official in Ladoja’s trial

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday directed Oyo State Government to send one of its officials to tender a document in the trial of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Ladoja for allegedly converting N4.7billion from the state treasury to his personal use.

He was charged alongside one Waheed Akanbi on eight -count charge of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned at the instance of Akanbi’s lawyer, Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), who requested that an Oyo State government official should be summoned by the court to tender some documents as exhibits.

According to him, a document supplied to the court by the Oyo State Government, was crucial to his client’s defence.

He urged the court to summon the official to appear in court for the purpose of properly tendering the document as an exhibit.

Ladoja’s lawyer, Mr. Bolaji Onilenla, did not oppose the application for adjournment.

Ladoja was Oyo State governor from May 29, 2003 to January 12, 2006 when he was impeached.

The Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan on November 1, 2006 declared the impeachment illegal.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision on November 11, 2006, and Ladoja resumed office on December 12, 2006.

He, however, lost a re-election bid in 2007.

Justice Idris adjourned the case till Monday when the official is expected to appear in court.