Efcc Withdraws Case Against Deji Abiola

Reprieve came the way of Deji Abiola, son of the late acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshhod Abiola, as a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja yesterday discharged and acquitted him of allegation of stealing N35.5 million brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The decision to discharge and acquit Deji Abiola by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo was sequel to the withdrawal of the one-count charge of theft leveled against him by the anti-graft commission.
Abiola was accused of stealing the sum of N35.5 million meant for the supply of printing machine to a Lagos based businessman, Jide Ajose under the pretext of importing printing machines for him from Switzerland.
At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the EFCC, Omeiza Adebola imformed the court that the commission application was due to the decision by the defendant and the complainant to settle the matter out of court.
He, therefore, urged the court to discharge  Abiola, but not aqcuit him.
The lawyer also submitted that his application was based on the provision of  Section 73 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, adding that he had already opened his case before  the court.
The application was not opposed by Abiola’s counsel, Paul Jimoh-Lasisi (SAN) who said both parties have agreed to settle the matter amicably.
The trial Judge, Justice Onigbanjo told the prosecution counsel however that contrary to his argument he has the power to discharge and acquit the defendant according to the law cited.