Lagos Speaker, PA re-arraigned for alleged money laundering

Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly,  Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his personal assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, were yesterday,  re-arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos for alleged money laundering.
The accused were re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Ibrahim Buba, on an amended 54-count charge.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts.
After their re-arraignment, the prosecutor, Mr, Godwin Obla, informed the court of his readiness to proceed with trial.
Counsel to the accused, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, immediately urged the court to allow the accused continue with the earlier bail granted by the former trial Judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke.
He told the court that the accused was granted bail on self- recognition and that the court should uphold same.
Counsel to the Atoyebi, Mr. Tunde Akinrimisi also aligned himself with the submissions of Oyetibo, noting that his client was also admitted to bail by the former judge, with the clerk of Lagos State House of Assembly standing surety.
He also urged the court to rule in line with the earlier bail.
The application was not opposed by the prosecutor, who urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Buba said he was not bound by the decision of his retired learned brother.
He said: “The case is beginning afresh before this honourable court, and so, I have the absolute discretion on the issue of bail. The accused is admitted to bail in the sum of 1 billion each with two sureties in the sum of N500 million each. The accused will be remanded in prison custody after 48 hours if they fail to perfect their bail conditions.”