N700M FRAUD: Judge Orders Osagie Ize-Iyamu to Appear in Court July 14 or Face Arrest.

By Simeon Osajie

A Federal High Court in Benin has ordered Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State to appear in court on Tuesday July 14, 2020 over the alleged N700m money laundering case that was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Mohammed Garba who gave the order following the absence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is the first defendant in the suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016, however did not order Ize-Iyamu's arrest, who was said to be indisposed.

But the judge held that the hearing of the pending motions challenging the jurisdiction of the court would be held on July 14, 2020 after rejecting the oral request for a prolonged adjournment of the case by the Counsel to Ize-Iyamu, who argued that his client will not disobey the order of court.

Justice Garba stated that the last time somebody was here, he (the judge) made an order for the accused person to appear in court or face arrest.

Earlier in his application to the court, counsel to the first defendant (Ize-Iyamu), Mr Charles Edosomwan (SAN) told the court that his client was sick and thereafter presented Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s medical certificate which was also admitted in court as evidence without any objection by the prosecution.

The accused persons including former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, Mr. Efe Erimuoghae-Anthony and others are facing eight-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N700 million meant to prosecute the 2015 general elections.

Speaking during an interview with journalists, Barr. Pascal Ugbome, Counsel to the Second defendant, said "the case was adjourned due to the inability of the first defendant (Ize-Iyamu) who is sick to be present in court."

“We were served today with medical certificate of Pastor Osagie ize-Iyamu." Barr. Ugbomo said.