The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned three NGO workers before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on a three-count bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N4.576m
The trio – Owolabi Kayode Samuel, Esther Olubukola Mate and Abimbola David-Orugun – who are staff of Hope Worldwide Foundation, were arraigned alongside Cumulative Ventures Limited and Continental Best Buys Limited.
Led by the prosecution counsel, the first prosecution witness, PW1, Abasiekong Udobang, Programme Manager, MTN Nigeria, told the court how the defendants misappropriated funds meant for the treatment of people living with AIDS and the less-privileged in the society.
Udobang also informed the court that the money belonged to MTN Foundation, a subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, which was established for the purpose of giving back to the society, in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility.
Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, J. O.Odubela, SAN, the witness confirmed that the money meant for the treatment of the AIDs victim was usually paid to Hope Worldwide quarterly.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to June 26, 2018 for the continuation of trial.
