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The Federal High Court siting in Benin, Edo State, has convicted Michael Igbinedion, younger brother to Lucky Igbinedion, former Edo State governor, on an 81-count charge of money laundering, misappropriation of funds and abuse of office brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Michael was convicted alongside Charles Eboigbodin, and their companies – Gava Corporation Limited; Romrig Nigeria Limited; PML Securities Company Limited and PML Nigeria Limited.
The duo had pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned, setting the stage for a full trial.
Justice J. Liman, delivering his ruling on Wednesday, found the two accused persons guilty on some of the counts. The judge convicted Eboigbodin for money laundering on counts 50-59, while Igbinedion was pronounced guilty as charged on counts 79-81.
The judge however deferred the sentencing of the convicts till Thursday April 30, 2015, a statement by the EFCC said.