Dramas as ex-governor Gbenga Daniel appears in Abeokuta high court
Ex Gov. Gbenga Daniel
Many dramas unfolded Wednesday morning as Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State appeared in court to face corruption charges.
The ‘Ogidi Omo’( potently strong son) of Ogun state PDP political elites appeared before Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje at Court 4, Ogun State High Court.
Drama unfolded as the ex governor exhibited his spineless nature, seeking to dash to the toilet just as the case was commencing.
Former Governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel arrival at Ogun State High Court.jpg
As he arrived court at 9:08 am, he quickly sought for an excuse to ease body tension by dashing to the to the toilet. He arrived back moments later.
Proceedings resumed upon his return at 9:20am and Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, read out the prosecution’s charges to the open court.
A second drama had unfolded as the former governor’s fans and those seeking for justice confronted each other in a show of political and moral question displays.
Outside the court premises, his supporters and students drawn from several tertiary institutions engaged each other in morality fist-cuffs and war of words, with both sides chanting opposing messages and slogans at each other.
There was a rowdy scene at the court premises as supporters of Daniel confronted those they considered his antagonists.
While the anti-Daniel crowd chanted “OGD, Ole”, “jail OGD” or “kill OGD”, his supporters, confronted them and it almost resulted in a commotion.
An aide to Daniel, Dickson confronted the former Police Public Relations Office in Ogun State, ASP Femi Awoyale, who fought back by ordering policemen to arrest him. Dickson was later whisked away.
The dramas caught the fancy of many onlookers as the former number 1 citizen was being led to the accused corner in the court, a far image from his erstwhile opulence in the State House and being led around by sea of security men in siren blowing entourage.
However, the governor was remanded by the court sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. He will remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, till Friday.
He had earlier been brought to court in a white Toyota Coaster bus with Abuja registration number ‘BR 737 BWR’.
Daniel is standing trial before the court on a 16-count charge ranging from failure to declare his assets, alleged conversion of public funds to personal use and abuse of public trust.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs told the court that Daniel’s counsel was served the 304-page document that contained the 16-count charge.
Responding, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, who led other lawyers for Daniel’s defence, pleaded with the court to grant him a 30-minute stand down to enable him study the document and discuss with his client.
His plea was granted at 9.30 a.m. The court went on recess and resumed at 10 a.m.
On resumption, the charge was read to Daniel and he pleaded not guilty.
The former governor was charged with stealing, contrary to Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 1978.
Daniel was also docked for alleged conversion of public funds to his personal use contrary to Section 434 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 29 Laws of Ogun State, 1978.
One of Daniel’s counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, said he had filed an application dated 12 October for the bail of the former governor.
EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs confirmed getting a copy of the bail application but said he needed time to study it to enable him file a counter affidavit.
He suggested adjournment of the case till Friday.
Daniel’s counsel agreed with the date. He also pleaded with the court that the former governor be remanded in EFCC custody.
Counsel to EFCC called the attention of the court to a publication in the print and electronic media that Daniel had been maltreated since he was in their custody since 6 October.
The counsel denied the allegation, denoting the publication as the handiwork of Daniel’s spin doctor.
Osipitan observed that EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi has been engaged in press trial of Daniel through his statements published in newspapers.
The counsel urged the court to restrain Babafemi from further press trial since the matter is now in court.
EFCC’s counsel responded by saying that he knew Babafemi and that he could not do anything to jeopardise the case.
The trial judge, Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje told EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs to have a word with Babafemi.
On the security at the court premises, EFCC’s counsel described the situation as worrisome, saying the case was not political but a criminal case.
“This is a criminal case holding in a serious court. We should not be celebrating criminality. I want this honourable court to order the accused person to stop hiring crowd to the court.”
Daniel inside the Court.
The Court however adjourned till Friday October 14 when it will hear the bail application against him. He is to be remanded in EFCC custody until then.
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