By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City

The Federal High Court, Benin, presided by Justice Muhammed Umar Garba, has adjourned the alledged N700m fraud case involving the All Progressives Congress governorship's aspirant in the forthcoming election in the state, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Tony Aziegbemhin, immediate chairman of PDP, Dan Orbih,  Lucky Imasuen and Efe Anthony to July 7, 2020.

The anti-graft agency in Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 had filed eight count charges against the accused persons bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election.

The EFCC further accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award. 

However, at the court on Thursday, there was no sitting but it was observed that some of the defendants and counsel were around the premises

Counsel to the 2nd Defedant, (Tony Aziegbemhin) Pascal Ogbome who spoke to journalists at the court premises, said the case was adjourned to 7th July. 

He could not however told us the reasons for the adjounment of the case but was quick to say that it is the duty of the court to decide when the court is to sit for a case.

" It is a normal occurrence in court activities. It's nothing unusual for the court to adjourn matters; their hands are full. So, they have to schedule their matters according to their convenience.

"The defendants, counsel have been in court since about 8am and the court officials informed us that the matter has been adjourned to 7th of July", Ogbome said..