Ex-Gov. Nnamani, Others Arraigned

Former governor of Enugu state Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, Jacob Nwatu and four private companies were this afternoon arraigned before Justice Benedict Agbata of the Enugu state High Court on 15 fresh charges bordering on alleged embezzlement of state funds and obtaining money by false pretence between 3 August and 28 November 2002.

Counts one to eleven border on diversion of state government’s funds meant for road construction but the contract were never executed .

Also, count twelve to fifteen have to do with alleged embezzlement of state funds by pretence.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Counsel to the accused, Ricky Tarfa (SAN), told the court that he will apply for bail later but pleaded that his client be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and not the Enugu prison.

Counsel to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, K.C. Uzoezie did not oppose the bail application.

To this end, the presiding judge granted the plea that the accused be remanded in EFCC custody.

The case was adjourned till Wednesday 1 June for hearing.

Earlier, Justice Agbata had vacated the matter to 31 May following the absence of the accused persons but he was later persuaded to hear it following the arrival of the former governor.
By Jude Orji\Enugu