Edo State Govt Begs FG to Return Igbenedion’s Siezed Loots

Edo State Government has appealed to the Federal Government, to return the N500 million and three properties recovered from former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, to the state government following the order of the Federal High Court in Edo State after he was convicted of defrauding Edo State government.

The properties are landed property measuring 4,823.02 square meters at Asokoro, Abuja, acquired on January 13, 2006 with file number ED21620, detached property on two plots of land comprising 4 bedroom and boys quarters situated at number 57, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State and a storey building and a bungalow on a large expanse of land situated at number 24, Izekor Street, off Chris Mary Street, Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State government through its solicitors Falana & Falana chambers, said that following the judgment that was delivered on December 18, 2008, the Economic and Financial Commission EFCC, was still in possession of the said money and properties belonging to the Edo State government.

It will be recalled that sometime in 2008, former Governor  Igbinedion was arraigned alongside his company, Kiva Corporation limited in charge number FHC/EN/6C/2008, by the anti-graft agency on sundry allegations of defrauding Edo State Government. Subsequently the charge was amended in pursuant to a plea bargain agreement at the instance of the two convicts who pleaded guilty to the offence and were convicted accordingly.

Following the conviction of the convicts, they were ordered to forfeit the said sum and three properties mentioned above. Meanwhile the Edo State Government is yet to receive the money and the properties from the federal government.

VANGUARD