Court Discharges Deji Abiola Of Alleged N35.5m Theft

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court, yesterday, freed Mr. Deji Abiola, son of the late politician, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, accused of stealing N35.5 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The decision of the court to discharge and acquit Abiola was sequel to the withdrawal of the one count charge of theft levelled at him by the anti- graft agency.

Abiola was said to have stolen N35.5 million meant for the supply of a printing machine to Mr. Jide Ajose, a Lagos-based businessman under the pretext of importing printing machines for him from Switzerland.

EFCC counsel, Mr. Omeiza Adebola, told the court that EFCC’s 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 acquit  him.

The lawyer argued 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, who said the parties had agreed to settle the matter amicably.

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.

Culled from VANGUARD