EFCC re-arraigns ex-finance minister, 4 others over alleged N23.3bn fraud

By EDITH NWAPI

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned, former finance minister Bashir Yaguda and four others in an FCT High Court, Maitama, for alleged misappropriation of N23.3 billion.

Others arraigned are retired Col. Sambo Dasukil, former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa and his son, Sagir, and their company Dalhatu Investment Limited.

They were arraigned on 25 counts bordering on misappropriation and receiving fraudulent proceeds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants were first arraigned, 2015 before Justice Peter Affen now justice of court of Appeal.

They were later re-arraigned before Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf now the FCT chief judge then, before Justice Yusuf Halilu.

The EFCC accused them of diverting money from the office of the national security adviser between 2013 and 2015 to finance electioneering campaign.

The defendants all pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

The defendants are to enjoy the bail condition given to them earlier.

Halilu adjourned until June 30 for trial and June 7 to hear application filed by Dauski’s counsel.

Earlier, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, counsel for Bafarawa had urged the court to allow the defendants to enjoy the bail condition given to them earlier.

He said on Dec 21, 2015, Justice Affen granted them bail and Baba-Yusuf in Oct 7, 2016 asked them to continue on the same condition.

Counsel for the prosecution, Mr Oluwaleke Atolagbe, he would not object so long as the defendants are available in court for their trial.

Raji Ahmed, SAN, counsel for Dasuki reminded the court for his application for his client to be allowed to travel abroad for medical attention. (NAN)