In Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday arraigned the spokesman for former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, Mr. Lere Olayinka, for alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office.

Olayinka was brought before Chief Magistrate Adesoji Adegboye on a three-count charge of abuse of office, stealing and fraud.

Prosecuting Inspector Johnson Okunade alleged that the defendant committed the offence between 2014 and 2018 while overseeing the Ekiti State Broadcasting Service at Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti.

He alleged that the defendant, as a public officer, grossly abuse his office when he failed to remit N13. 5million revenue accrued to the broadcasting service into the government’s coffer.

He also alleged that the defendant, being the DG of the broadcasting station, obtained N7million under false pretence as travelling allowance from the agency’s account.

Okunade added that the defendant deliberately stole N13.5million belonging to the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State and converted it to his own use.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 104, 390(5) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

He asked the court for an adjournment to enable him study the case file and present his witnesses.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, former Attorney-General of Ekiti State Mr. Kolapo Kolade urged the court to grant his client bail, promising that he would not jump bail.

Chief Magistrate Adegboye granted the defendant N1million bail with two sureties in the like sum and having verifiable addresses.

Adegboye ruled that one of the sureties must be a community leader, while the second must produce a proof of landed ownership.

He adjourned the case till April 27.

Reacting, Olayinka described his arraignment as a political persecution.

He advised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to dissipate its energy to provide succour for the people, instead of running after perceived opposition.