BENIN CITY – Micheal Igbinedion, son of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion is to be sentenced today after he was found guilty by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City in a N25 billion money laundering case instituted against him and five others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Micheal and others were arraigned on an 81-count charge of money laundering.
The offence was committed when his brother, Lucky, was the Governor of Edo State between 1999 and 2007.
Others accused in the case are Patrick Eboigbodin a former Accountant-General and the four companies are Gava Corporation Limited, Romrig Nigeria Limited, PMI Securities Company Limited and PML (Nigeria) Limited.
Justice Lima however did not sentenced the convicts as he said he would sentenced them today.
Lima in the judgment that was read yesterday for over three hours, convicted Micheal on count 79, 80 and 81 which bothered on collecting cash payment above N500,000.
Patrick and PML (Nigeria) Limited were convicted on count 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 which bothered on collaboration to conceal origin of funds amounting to millions of naira paid into their private accounts.
Justice Lima said the prosecution proved alleged collaboration beyond reasonable doubts.
Lima however discharged all the accused on other count charges because the prosecution failed to prove the allegations.
He said the prosecution only proved suspicion and failed to prove illicit origin of funds deposited in some banks.
Justice Lima said he could not sentenced the accused after reading the judgment and adjourned till today.
