Alleged exam malpractices: FG files more charges against Adeleke, others

THE Federal Government on Tuesday filed a seven-count amended charge against the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on September 22, 2018, Osun state governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke,

Adeleke and four other defendants were first arraigned on a four-count charge, bordering on alleged examination malpractices before Justice Edward Ekwo.

When the seven counts charge were read out to Adeleke and his codefendants pleaded not guilty and the prosecution counsel, Simon Lough asked for a date to commence trial in the matter.

However, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), who represented Adeleke told the court that he needs time to respond to all the processes served on his client.

Meanwhile, the senior lawyer moved an application dated December 17, 2018, for the release of Adeleke’s International Passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical attention.

The prosecution counsel did not oppose the application and the trial court granted the application and ordered that Adeleke’s travel document be released to him to enable him to travel to the United States of America (USA) between January 7 and 28, 2019 for treatment.

According to the Judge, Adeleke should return the International Passport within three days of his return to the country.

Recalled that Adeleke was in September arraigned on four count charges, bordering on examination malpractices, along with his brother, Sikiru Adeleke and three others.

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Adeleke pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on self-recognizance by the Court.

The others are, Alhaji Aregbesola Mufutau (Principal, Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro Osun State), Gbadamosi Thomas Ojo (school Registrar) and Dare Samuel Olutope (a teacher).

The judge announced bail for Adeleke on self-recognition, while the 2nd and 3rd defendants are in the sum of N2 million each.

As part of his bail conditions, Sen Adeleke shall sign an undertaken to always attend trial and must not travel out of the country without the permission of the court.

The second and third defendants on their part, are to provide a surety each in the sum of N2 million.

The sureties, in addition, shall be owners of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, which shall be verified by the registrar of the court.

They are also to submit their international passports to the court and must not travel out of the country without obtaining permission from the court.

However, Justice Ekwo ordered the remand in prison custody of the 4th and 5th defendants, Gbadamosi Ojo (school Registrar) and Dare Olutope (a teacher) since they did not apply for bail.

The defendants are accused of fraudulently, through personation, registering as students of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro Osun State to enable them to sit for the National Examination Council (NECO) examination of June/July 2017.