The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the former Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmed Sani (Yerima) before a Zamfara High Court over his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of about N2 billion during his tenure.
The ICPC had arraigned the ex-governor over a 19-count charge of alleged financial crimes before Justice Bello Shinkafi.
Part of the alleged misappropriated sum amounting to N1billion was an additional budgetary provision which the state House of Assembly allocated for the repair of collapsed Gusau Dam and settlement of victims affected by the dam.
The said N1billion was obtained through bank loan for the dam’s repairs and settlement of victims but was allegedly diverted to different projects other than which it was allocated. When the charge was read to Sani, he pleaded not guilty to the alleged financial crimes.
Some of the allegations against the former governor include the diversion of N20million and donated as assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commissions(INEC); N54million for sponsoring government officials to Hajj; another sum of over N15million diverted to furniture allowances; and sum of N14million for auditing of account.
Other charges against the defendant also include the diversion of N36million for payment of leave grants; diversion of over N46million for school feeding; diversion of N14million for the purchase of four 406 Peugeot vehicles; and the diversion of over N21million for the purchase of publication equipment as well as contract over payments to firms on grains sales deal with the federal government.
According to the EFCC, the offences are contrary to section 22 (5) of the ICPC Act, 2000.
Lawyer to Sani, Mahmud Abubakar (SAN), urged the court to grant bail to his client on personal recognition on the grounds that he is a serving senator and would not jump bail. He also argued that his client is an established personality with an immense political influence as the state’s political leader.
Lawyer to the ICPC, Mr Joseph Ugho, did not oppose the bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Shinkafi granted bail to Sani with two sureties who must have landed property worth N250million. He added that one of the sureties must be a resident of Gusau with a property worth N150million, while the other surety must own N100million property.
The case has been adjourned till to February 26 and March 1.
The ICPC had arraigned the ex-governor over a 19-count charge of alleged financial crimes before Justice Bello Shinkafi.
Part of the alleged misappropriated sum amounting to N1billion was an additional budgetary provision which the state House of Assembly allocated for the repair of collapsed Gusau Dam and settlement of victims affected by the dam.
The said N1billion was obtained through bank loan for the dam’s repairs and settlement of victims but was allegedly diverted to different projects other than which it was allocated. When the charge was read to Sani, he pleaded not guilty to the alleged financial crimes.
Some of the allegations against the former governor include the diversion of N20million and donated as assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commissions(INEC); N54million for sponsoring government officials to Hajj; another sum of over N15million diverted to furniture allowances; and sum of N14million for auditing of account.
Other charges against the defendant also include the diversion of N36million for payment of leave grants; diversion of over N46million for school feeding; diversion of N14million for the purchase of four 406 Peugeot vehicles; and the diversion of over N21million for the purchase of publication equipment as well as contract over payments to firms on grains sales deal with the federal government.
According to the EFCC, the offences are contrary to section 22 (5) of the ICPC Act, 2000.
Lawyer to Sani, Mahmud Abubakar (SAN), urged the court to grant bail to his client on personal recognition on the grounds that he is a serving senator and would not jump bail. He also argued that his client is an established personality with an immense political influence as the state’s political leader.
Lawyer to the ICPC, Mr Joseph Ugho, did not oppose the bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Shinkafi granted bail to Sani with two sureties who must have landed property worth N250million. He added that one of the sureties must be a resident of Gusau with a property worth N150million, while the other surety must own N100million property.
The case has been adjourned till to February 26 and March 1.
0 comments