Nigerian Court Sends Ex-council Boss To Prison

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has remanded the former Chairman of Lere Local government and four other employees of the council in prison for stealing over N30 million belonging to the council.

Former interim council boss, Alhaji Kabir Tahir Malali, Director of Finance, Ahmed Yahaya, Director Works, Billy Graham Amos, Director Personnel Management, Yushau Aboki and Head of Health, Mrs. Hannatu Iliya were arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.

Though the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge, the court presided by Justice Mercelous Awokulehin insisted that they should be remanded in prison until January 24 when trial will resume.

P.M.NEWS gathered that the accused were arrested following a petition allegedly sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kano zone by a former member of the Kaduna State House of Assemby Alhaji Lawal Buge-Buge.

Alhaji Buge-Buge also sent a petition to the EFCC over allegation of fraud against the Kaduna Deputy Speaker, Mato Dogara who was also arraigned.

The six accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Both the EFCC and accused counsel requested for time to reply and respond to the issues at stake in the trial.

Following this, Justice Awokulehin adjourned the case till 24 January for trial. The case will also be heard on 28 and 29 January.

—Femi Adi/Kaduna