EFCC arraigns FUTA VC, bursar over alleged abuse of office

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Prof.  Adebiyi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), in an Akure High Court on a nine-count charge bordering on abuse of office, conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

Daramola, who was arraigned alongside the institution’s bursar, Ayodeji Oresegun, was, however, granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

Oresegun was also granted bail in the sum of N10million with two sureties in like sum.

Justice Ademola Bola said that the sureties must be professors working in FUTA or public servants on level 17 who must have landed property and show evidence of tax payment in the last three years.

He also ordered that the accused be remanded in police custody pending perfection of their bail.

Earlier, the court clerk had read out the nine charges preferred against the vice chancellor, including obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy and abuse of office.

Two of the charges–conspiracy and money lodging–were preferred against the bursar while both accused persons pleaded not guilty.

EFCC counsel, Dr Ben Ubi, who prayed for the remand of the accused persons in prison, asked for a trial date, a plea opposed by Daramola’s lawyer, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN).

Similarly, counsel to Oresegun, Ibukun Fasanmi, made both oral and written application for the bail of the accused persons in most liberal terms.

But counsel to the EFCC again opposed the bail request on the grounds that there were no sufficient facts before the court to grant bail.

He also added that he needed time to study the application.

Adenipekun, however, countered this, saying “the VC is presently on EFCC administrative bail.

He cited copious court judgments to justify why the accused should be granted bail.

Outside the court, security operatives led by the Akure Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Olatoye Durosimi, were on ground to prevent a clash between university workers and students.

While the workers led by chairmen of the various non-teaching unions rallied support against the vice chancellor, the students were also on ground with placards bearing various inscriptions expressing solidarity with Daramola.

The students accused the workers of not being sensitive to their plight while the union leaders said the judicial process which had commenced would ensure justice was done.

The case was adjourned till March 20, 21 and 22 for trial.