The ousted Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, along with two other key officials of the assembly, Dayo Samuel and Adeyemo Adedeji, faced charges on Monday at a Federal High Court in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to N2.5 billion. Oluomo is accused of committing this financial fraud during his tenure as the Speaker in 2022.
Last week, 18 out of 26 lawmakers voted to remove Oluomo from the position, citing allegations of financial misappropriation, highhandedness, gross misconduct, arrogance, poor leadership, lack of focus and transparency, and fostering discord among members.
Oluomo has contested his removal, claiming it is illegal, and has filed a suit at the state high court to challenge the impeachment.
In Monday’s court appearance, it was noted that the counsel for the EFCC could not attend. The presiding judge, Justice Agatha Okeke, adjourned the case to February 29 and March 1.
In September 2022, the EFCC arrested and charged Oluomo for allegedly diverting N2.5 billion belonging to the Assembly (Suit No: FHC/AB/61C/2022). Oluomo, along with the Clerk of the House, Taiwo Adeyemo, and the Director of Finance, Oladayo Samuel, faced accusations of forging receipts and signatures to divert substantial funds from the legislative house. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail, with a requirement to submit their travel documents at the court registry.
