3 NGO staff arrested for mismanaging N4.5m meant for people living with HIV

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), on Thursday, May 3, 2018, arraigned Owolabi Kayode Samuel, Esther Olubukola Mate and Abimbola David-Orugun before the court led by Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N4.576m

The defendants, who are staff of Hope Worldwide Foundation, were apprehended alongside Cumulative Ventures Limited and Continental Best Buys Limited.

The arrest was 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 bring to the court notice 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 (CSR).

Under investigations 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.

However, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to Tuesday June 26, 2018 for continuation of trial.