Ex-Perm Sec docked over N97m fraud

Akin Kuponiyi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Dr. Illoh Onubuogo Clement, on three counts charge bordering on failure to declare his full asset.

The EFCC in charge number FHC/L/1054c/17, alleged that the 59 years old former Permanent Secretary, had on April 16, 2016, failed to disclose the sum of N97, 300, 613.44 million, in his account number 3033750243 domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

He was also alleged to have warehoused the sum of $139, 575. 50 USD, and £10, 121.52, British Pound Sterling (BPS), in his accounts number 3033750243 and 2017262246 also domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

The offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 23 (3)(c) of the Financial Crimes Commission (Establish) Act 2004.

The accused former Permanent Secretary denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all the three counts.

His lawyer, Tom Awhana, pleaded with the court to admit him on bail on liberal terms.

He informed the court that one of the grounds for his client’s bail application was that he is suffering from hypertension and diabetes.

He also pleaded with the court to remand him in EFCC’s custody pending when he will meet all the bail conditions.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Oyedepo, did not opposed the bail application but pleaded with the court to allow the trial to commence immediately, after the defendant’s plea have been taken.

The presiding judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, in his ruling admitted the Ex-Permanent Secretary to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety.

The surety, according to the judge, must be a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction, with evidence of three years tax payment.

Justice Kuewumi also ordered that the surety must submit his recent passport photograph, while the defendant is to deposit his international passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR).

The judge also ordered that the accused be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned till May 8 for trial to commence.