The Court of Appeal Benin City has upheld the appeal of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as it ruled that a former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has a case to answer over allegations of financial impropriety.
In a unanimous decision, the three panel of justices led by Justice Helen M. Ogunwunmiju ruled that the former governor should return to the Federal High Court to face trial for money laundering, misappropriation of fund and abuse of office.
The other justices are Justice M. M. Saulawa and Justice A. O. Lokulo-Sodipe.
The EFCC approached the Court of Appeal sequel to the judgment of Justice Adamu Hobon, then of the Federal High Court, Benin City who dismissed the fresh charge of money laundering filed against the former governor on the ground that he entered a plea bargain with the EFCC and was convicted, that the fresh charge brought against him amounts to double jeopardy.
The appellate court in upholding the appeal of the EFCC ruled that there was no agreement between Igbinedion and the EFCC that he would not face trial on fresh allegations and revelations and therefore ruled that Igbinedion should return to the High Court to face trial for money laundering and misappropriation of funds.
