EFCC arraigns man over N10m cement fraud
The Makurdi zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Musa Abubakar before Justice M. A. Ikpambese of the Benue state High Court sitting in Makurdi, on a one -count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust to the tune of N10, 448, 000.
Prosecution told the court that the defendant from October – December, 2018 was entrusted with 4, 500 bags of cement valued at N10, 448, 000 by one Abdulrahim Abubakar, but dishonestly misappropriated the proceeds of the cement.
He said the offence committed by Abubakar is contrary to Section 312 of the Penal Code of Benue state, 2004 and punishable under Section 313 of the same code.
The defendant however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
Based on his plea, the prosecuting counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua applied for a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional centre.
However, counsel to defendant, I. M. Mari applied for bail of his client and urged the court to grant him bail on the most liberal terms.
Justice Ikpambese granted bail to defendant in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum as the defendant was remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail condition.
He adjourned the case to April 27 for commencement of trial.
