The criminal trial of Victor Sunday Osayemen, a former accountant with UYI Technical Services Limited, has taken a new turn following the transfer of his case from Criminal Court 2 to Criminal Court 1 of the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
The development was communicated to counsel on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, following an informal notification that Criminal Court 1, presided over by Honourable Justice Irele-Ifejah, would take over the proceedings.
The matter, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under charge number B/CD/EFCC/324/2026, was previously before Criminal Court 2, presided over by Honourable Justice William Azegbemhin.
Counsel present during the proceedings included Y.K. Bello, representing the EFCC; Magdalene Irorere, counsel to the defendant; and Douglas Ogbankwa, representing the nominal complainant, UYI Technical Services Limited.
The development follows the disruption of proceedings on November 9, when the case could not proceed because the court file had reportedly been requested by Criminal Court 1.
Osayemen is facing a four-count charge bordering on alleged stealing and fraudulent conversion of funds belonging to his former employer during his time as an accountant with the company.
According to the EFCC charge, the defendant allegedly converted a total of ₦55,339,200 to his personal use through four separate transactions.
The charges include the alleged conversion of ₦21,619,200 between April 2024 and October 2025; ₦32,325,000 between March 2024 and October 2025; ₦1,045,000 sometime in 2025; and ₦350,000 between September 2023 and January 2024.
The alleged offences are said to be contrary to Sections 287(1)(b) and (c), and punishable under Section 294(7) of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.
Following the transfer, the matter has been scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, before Justice Irele-Ifejah of Criminal Court 1, Benin City, for further proceedings, with the possibility of the defendant’s plea being taken.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
