Charges Against MKO Abiola’s Son Withdrawn

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja Monday discharged and acquitted Deji Abiola, son of the late acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, of the N35.5 million theft charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Deji was discharged by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo after  the EFCC decided to withdraw the case against him.
He was dragged before the court for allegedly stealing N35.5 million belonging to a Lagos-based printer, Mr Jide Jose under the pretext of helping the complainant import printing machines from Switzerland.
During Monday’s proceedings, EFCC prosecutor, Mr Omeiza Adebola informed the court that the prosecution was withdrawing its case against Abiola.
Adebola said the prosecution was discontinuing the case because Abiola and Jose had resolved the matter out of court..

The application was not opposed by Abiola’s counsel, Chief Phillip Jimoh-Lasisi (SAN), who reiterated that the matter has been resolved amicably between both parties.
The judge, in a short ruling, discharged and acquitted Abiola of the one-count charge of theft.

He said: “The accused is hereby discharged and acquitted.This is following the application filed by the prosecution (EFCC) dated July 2, 2012, notifying the court of its intention to withdraw the charge after an agreement was reached between the accused and the complainant”