N21.7m fraud: Doctors Beg Court to Quash Charges

Five former executive members of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), standing trial over alleged N21.7m fraud, have prayed the court to quash the charges against them.

Emmanuel Ighodaro (chairman) Anthony Owolabi, Quincy Atoghengbe, Raymond Ogieva and Oseremen Gabriel Ogbebor were arraigned before the state High Court on January 31 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

They were accused of conspiracy to commit felony, fraudulent false accounting and stealing of about N21.7 million belonging to the Edo State chapter of the NMA.

The accused persons, who were executive members of the state NMA between 2013 and 2014, pleaded not guilty to the 21-count charge and were granted bail.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to EFCC, Ben Ubi, told the court that counsel to the defendants have filed separate applications, seeking its leave to quash the charges and also challenge the court jurisdiction the matter.

The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponwmonba, adjourned case to March 20, for definite hearing.

By: Usman A. Bello, Benin
Daily Trust News