By Jennifer Y Omiloli
On Tuesday, David Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), was ordered to be remanded in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody by an Abuja high court.
Lawal was arraigned by the anti-graft agency on 10-count charges of fraudulent diversion of funds meant to assist persons displaced by Boko Haram.
The former SGF was removed from office in October 2017 after a three-man committee comprising Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, National Security Adviser Mohammed Babagana Monguno and Attorney-General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami was set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the allegations against him.
Osinbajo later submitted a report into the claims in August 2017 suggesting his sack.
Ever since his removal in October 2017 by Buhari, many Nigerians have called for his prosecution.
Lawal appeared in court for the first time today since his dismissal two years ago over the N220 million meant for welfare of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in North-East allegation.
Lawal, however, during the court sitting, pleaded not guilty of all the charges.
The judge gave the remand order following an appeal by Lawal’s counsel to grant him bail.
The court however fixed the ruling on his bail application for February 13.
