…As Daniel Opens Defense on 17 Charges
Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has struck out 15 Counts on the 32 charges filed against the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) just as he directed him to open defense in the remaining 17 changes.
According to the judge, the EFCC failed in his prosecution to establish a prima facie case against the former Governor.
Daniel had filed a No-Case Submission against all the charges after the EFCC closed its case calling 33 witnesses, 30 of who had failed to testify against the former Governor on the legal matter which had dragged for eight long years.
The legal matter however will enter into a new phase as the former Governor is expected to present witnesses and exhibits in his own defense against the EFCC charges which many political watchers in the state alleged were acts of persecution and victimization by his successor and outgoing Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun.