DO THE RIGHT THING:

Take not your Association money for personal use

That was the case before Justice Ohimai Ovbiagel of the Edo state High court sitting in Benin city. In 2017 the executive members of the Edo state welders Association were brought to court on 15-count charge, mainly conspiracy, stealing by conversion, and forgery, against the Bendel state criminal code law 1976, punishable under section 390(9) of same law.

According to the allegations, the four executive members of the Edo state welders Association EWA, namely Isaac Ogundimu, John Odaro, Andrew Egharevba and Omorogba Jacob received the sum of #15million from the Edo state government, for the empowerment of Edo welders in the state, instead they converted the money for their personal use.

Alhough, before the court they pleaded not guilty, but the prosecution (EFCC) was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt, that the quartet stole the money meant for EWA, with 5 witnesses and 8 exhibits against them. Yet defendant filled no case to answer submission.

The Court on Friday, the 21st of January, 2022, dismissed the no case submission and entered judgment; convicted and sentenced them to 7yrs imprisonment or option of fine – #650 thousand