By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—THE absence of Edo State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih and the candidate of the party in the 2016 governorship election in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, stalled their arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged laundering of N700 million.

Orbih

Others joined in the charge are former Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Imasuen, a former member of the House of Representatives, Tony Azegbemi and Efe Anthony.

Former Chairman, Board of Trustees of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih was listed in the charge but was said to be at large.

Counsel to EFCC, L.P Aso, yesterday, informed the court that all the defendants have filed application for bail and asked for an adjournment to enable the EFCC produce all the defendants in court.

However, counsel to Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Chief Orbih, Ikide Chiehelua and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, told the court that their clients travelled outside the country.

They promised that their clients were prepared to face trial and would be back by Tuesday next week.

Chief Orbih said, “I have his instruction that he will be back to answer to the charges. He is ready and willing to defend himself. His absence is not borne out of disrespect to the court.”