HELEN MORONKEJI OGUNWUMIJU, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the interlocutory decision of the Federal High Court, Benin Division, per Honourable Justice Adamu Hobon dated 31st May, 2011, which upheld the pleas of double jeopardy and condonation raised by the Respondent who was the 1st Accused person, against his trial before that court. The Appellant being dissatisfied with the said decision now appealed to this Court by its notice of appeal dated and filed on 5th July, 2011. Below are the facts that led to this appeal:
The Respondent was the Executive Governor of Edo State between 1999 and 2007. A charge was preferred against the Respondent along with six (6) other natural and juristic persons on 31st January, 2011 before the Federal High Court Benin, for offences of money laundering of funds allegedly belonging to the Edo State Government and Local Governments in Edo State. After the Accused persons were served with the charge along with the proof of…