A Federal High Court in Ilorin has ordered that Abubakar Ishiak, Permanent Secretary, Kwara Government House, and three others be remanded in EFCC custody over alleged N20. 3 million fraud.
Ishiak was arraigned along with Shina Mudashir, Director of Administration and Finance, Rasaq Momonu, Controller Finance and Account and Hafeez Yusuf, Cashier, all of Kwara State Government House on two counts of fraud.
Justice Babagana Ashigar gave the order, following an application by EFCC Counsel, Mr Christopher Mschelia.
Counsel to the accused persons, Mr Abdulwahab Bamidele, however objected to the prosecutor’s submission and pleaded with the court to admit his clients to bail.
Bamidele prayed the judge to use his discretion and admit the accused persons to bail on whatever terms the court would wants to impose.
Quoting Section 33, (2) of the Federal High Court, he said in a criminal proceeding, if the court wants to remand the accused persons, they should be kept in the custody of EFCC, pending hearing and determination for bail.
Justice Ashigar ordered that the accused persons should be remanded in EFCC custody until May 8, for hearing of bail application and adjourned the case until June 6, for trial.
The EFCC had earlier told the court that on Feb. 14, the four accused persons conspired among themselves to commit the offence.
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The anti graft agency alleged that the accused made cash payment of N20.3 million to one Energy Multi-Trade Unique Interbiz Limited, through the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Jimoh Sarafadeen Kolade.
The EFCC alleged that the payment was for services rendered to Kwara the State Government House, which cash sum exceeded the limit of N10 million, payable to a corporate body.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 18 (a) and 1(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and punishable under section 16 (2) (b) of the same act.
They pleaded not guilty to the charge.
