x

N4.5bn Fraud: EFCC Re-Arraigns FIRS Directors

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned three directors and some other officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) over allegations of N4.5 billion fraud.

The officials are Peter Hena, a former Coordinating Director; Mohammed Bello Auta (Director of Finance) and Amina Sidi (Finance and Account Department).

Others are Umar Aliyu Aduka (Internal Audit), Mbura Mustapha (Deputy Manager), Obi Okeke Malachy (Services Group), Obaje Napoleon Adofu (Head of Budget), Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred (Officer II) and Benjamin Jiya (Assistant Director).

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, who disclosed this, said their re-arraignment followed the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.

They were arraigned before Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The defendants were docked on a 42-count charge bordering on corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of funds.

Count one of the charge read, “That you, Peter Hena, Mohammed Bello Auta, Amina Sidi, Umar Aliyu Aduka, Mbura, Mustapha, Obi Okeke Malachy, Obaje Napoleon Adofu, Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred and Benjamin Jiya while being staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) between January, 2017 and December 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired together with the other officials of FIRS to conceal funds which are proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: Corruption, Fraud and Criminal Misappropriation of Funds and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18 and punishable under section 15(2) (a) and (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 ( as amended by Act No. 1 of 2021).”

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Bolaji granted them bail on the terms earlier offered them by Justice Ojukwu, and fixed September 28, 2021 for commencement of trial.

Justice Ojukwu had, upon their arraignment on Thursday, March 11, 2021, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100m each and sureties in like sum.

The sureties who must be Nigerian residing in Abuja with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, are also to provide evidence of Tax Clearance.

She also asked the defendants to deposit their travelling documents with the court and seek the permission before travelling out of the country.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

FG trains over 175 youths from the North Central region of Nigeria 

By Israel Adamu, Jos  The Federal government through the office...

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Lauds Diri’s Leadership on 66th Birthday

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa   Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,...

Wike To Deliver OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on...

Breaking: Tinubu To Commence 10 Projects Commissions In Abuja, Satellite Towns

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to...

NCPC Re-strategize For 2025 Pilgrimage, Holds Staff Retreat

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju In a bid to restrategize to ensure...

Regina Daniels Accuses Angela Okorie of Pursuing Her Husband Amid Ongoing Feud

Nollywood star Regina Daniels has fired back at fellow...

Amaechi Responds to Wike: “I Won’t Engage in Childish Insults”

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has fired back...

FG to Sanction Federal Tertiary Institutions Over Unapproved Satellite Campuses

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img