The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Director with the Kebbi state, Ministry of Finance , Yahaya Saidu Andarai and one Farouk Abubarka Uduli, before the Lagos High Court in Ikeja for allegedly stealing the sum of N64million belonging to Coscharis Motors Ltd.
The two men, who were arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, are facing a 27 count charge of conspiracy , fraud and stealing.
The defendants were accused by the EFCC of converting the said sum which is the proceed of AX motorcycles, property of Coscharis Motors entrusted to them on behalf of Jega National Union Local Government Employees of Kebbi state.
While the second defendant, was only charged with two count, the first defendant was charged with all 27 counts. Both men however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the EFCC, Oluwabumi Abosede, said that the defendants had committed the offence between August 26, 2009 and August, 2, 2012, in Maza Maza area of Lagos.
CHARGES:
She also said that sometime in August 2010, the first defendant stole 20 units of Ax Motorcycle valued at N2.2million
The anti- graft agency further said that on the 26 of August 2009, with intent to defraud,the first defendant, Andarai, converted to his use the sum of N17million, the money entrusted to him by the Jega National Union of Local Government Employees of Kebbi state.
According to the EFCC, the offence committed is contrary to section 309 Cap 2 laws of Lagos state.
After the defendants had taken their plea, an oral application was made by the first defendant’s counsel Odu Hycinth that the first defendant should be remanded in EFCC’s custody because of his alleged ill health, pending when he will meet his bail conditions.
He said that Andarai, is an hypertensive patient and has been to the Military hospital at , very close to the EFCC office.
He also said that the first defendant is a very responsible man who is a director with the ministry of finance in Kebbi state and he is still serving, adding that he would be available for trial any time the matter comes up.
Hyacinth, further added that the issue of the first defendant not being present will not arise because he is a credible person.
In her reply, counsel to the EFCC said”I know that the proper place after arraignment is prison custody.”
“I will allow the court to use its discretion because am not aware of his health issues.” She said.
However Justice Onigbanjo, said that he is not satisfied with the explanation from the first defendant counsel and that of the EFCC investigating police officer IPO on the ill health of the first defendant.
He however granted the two defendants bail in the sum of N2million, with two sureties in like sum.
The matter was then adjourned to November 20, 2013, for trial.
