In Ilorin, Kwara State, a Federal High Court on Monday nullified the bench warrant issued for the arrest of former state Commissioner for Finance, Demola Banu. The warrant was initially requested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to Banu’s alleged failure to appear.
During the hearing involving the anti-graft agency and former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is the first defendant, as well as the ex-commissioner, Justice Evelyn Nmasinulo granted the request made by Banu’s lead counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN. This decision was based on the presence of the defendant at the hearing.
The proceedings revealed that the defendants faced eleven counts related to financial impropriety during their time in office. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Banu’s counsel subsequently requested bail for his client, which was granted at N5 million and required two sureties of equal sum.
The defense counsel further requested an adjournment to allow for the filing of additional documents crucial for his client’s defense. Justice Nmasinulo adjourned the proceedings to June 25 and 26, 2024.
In a chat with newsmen, the lead counsel to Banu, Barrister Oyewole said, “We vacated the bench warrant issued for the arrest of our client because it was wrongly issued and we secured adjournment to June 25 and 26.”
