MD arraigned for defrauding Jesuit Father of Nigeria millions

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today April 27, 2022, arraigned one Adede Omogbale and his company, Spiral Engineering Limited, before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin on a two -count charge bordering on stealing.

Omogbale as managing director of Spiral Engineering Limited is alleged to have stolen the aggregate sum of N 34,177,530.00, property of Jesuit Father of Nigeria.

One of the counts read: “that you Adede Omogbale being the managing director of Spiral Engineering Limited and Spiral Engineering Limited sometime in February, 2019 in Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: stealing the aggregate sum of N34, 177,530.00 (Thirty Four Million,  One Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Naira)  being property of Jesuit Father of Nigeria, contrary to section 516 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo state) , 1976 and punishable under the same section”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, K.Y Bello, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant at the Correctional facility. However, counsel to the defendant, Y.O. Odiase, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail on the grounds of ill- health.

After listening to argument of counsel, Justice Ikponmwonba granted the defendant bail in the sum of One Million Naira with one surety who should be a businessman or civil servant resident in Edo State.

The case was adjourned till June 6, 2022 for trial