Seized property belonging to the former Chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Mr. Debo Ajimuda has been reportedly released to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The impounded property, which were about 13 exotic vehicles and some documents, were seized by the anti-graft agency on March, 2012 and put in the custody of the State Police Command, following an allegation of N540million fraud against Ajimuda.
Some of the flashy cars impounded are 2011 model Tundra with registration number, FY 195ABC, Benz 500, registration number: DK 777FST, G.Wagon Benz.
When our reporter visited the Police Headquarters along Igbatoro Road in Akure, the state capital, it was discovered that Ajimuda’s vehicles, which have been parked under trees very close to the entrance of the command have been removed.
Sources within the police force revealed that the command got a letter from the EFCC last week to release the seized vehicles in their custody to the former OSOPADEC boss.
When asked if the EFCC gave reasons for the release of the property despite the pending case against Ajimuda at the Federal High Court, the sources said they were not aware if the EFCC gave reasons for the release of the vehicles.
Ajimuda, who was arrested immediately after the seizure of his property by the EFCC, was later arraigned on June 2012 at the Akure Federal high Court, with four others, on 13 count-charge.
Others arraigned with him were Man Omobayi Alli, Ikuomola Vincent Aghone, Mafolabomi Monday and Olayinka Olaitan Joseph.
Justice Gloria Okeke, who is now retired, however granted the suspects bail in the sum of N1m each and sureties in the like sum.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Wole Ogodo confirmed the released of the vehicles in their custody to the EFCC.
“I can’t say if the vehicles were released to Ajimuda but we are not in charge of the matter. They brought a letter that we should release the vehicles they kept in our custody to them”, the police spokesman said.
Ogodo, refused to speak further on the matter, saying he was not authorised to speak on behalf of the EFCC.
“They only kept the property in our custody. I have no information about why it was released. You can contact the EFCC on this matter. I have no information on this”, Ogodo said.
The former OSOPADEC boss refused to pick his phone lines as at the time of filing this report.
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