N11.5b Alleged Fraud: Defense Counsel Moves to Stall Ex-Oyo Gov. Trial

The trial of the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala and two others for alleged criminal offences bordering on conspiracy and fraudulent practice to the tune of N11.5 billion before Honourable Justice L. M. Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, could not proceed today, 16th April, 2018, because, the first defendant- Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the third defendant- Olufemi Ademola Babalola applied for stay of proceedings pending the outcome of the appeals at the Supreme Court.
Otunba Alao-Akala who is standing trial alongside the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola and a contractor and Chief Executive Officer of Pentagon Consults, Mr Olufemi Ademola Babalola were arraigned on eleven(11)count charge.
At the resume hearing today, Counsel to the first and third defendants, A.O. Afolabi (SAN) informed the court of a motion on notice dated 7th April, asking the court for a stay of proceedings/trial pending the determination of their appeals at the Supreme Court. Also, counsel to the second defendant, A. Ogunwole (SAN) aligned himself with the submission of his learned brother silk-Afolabi.
However, the motions were opposed by the Prosecuting Counsel, Dr. Ben. Ubi, by written submissions on points of law and urged the court to refuse the application but rather order for accelerated hearing of the case in accordance with the spirit and intendment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Oyo State, 2016 and Section 19(2)(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(Establishment) Act, 2004.
Presiding Justice Owolabi adjourned the matter to the 4th June, 2018 for ruling on the applications.