The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, December 19th 2017, arraigned the trio of Muhammed Ali, Nasiru Sirajo and Muntari Sulaiman before Justice Bako Maikaita of the Katsina State High Court on a six -count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and issuance of dud cheque.
The accused persons were arrested by the operatives of the Commission following a petition by one Ibrahim Jidda, Operation Manager, FATUHATI investment Ltd. The petitioner alleged that he supplied 40,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) to the accused persons worth N10,300,000 (Ten Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira) only through one Baba Nalami who is the business associate of the complainant. The supply was made in the name of the said company and the products were supposed to be delivered to Katsina State Ministry of water resources.
After the delivery of the said product, the accused persons refused to pay the complainant, but instead issued him with two cheques in the sum of N5,300,000 (Five Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira) only and N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira Only) respectively.
However, both cheques were returned unpaid on presentation to the bank due to lack of funds in the account.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. In view of their plea, the Prosecution Counsel Douglas Gift, requested a date for trial and also urged the court to remand the accused persons in prison custody.
The defense counsel applied orally that his clients be admitted to bail. Counsel for the prosecution opposed the oral application for bail on grounds that such application should be made formally.
Justice Bake agreed with the prosecution counsel and rejected the oral application. He subsequently remanded the accused persons in prison custody and adjourned the matter to the 20th February, 2018 for hearing of bail application and commencement of trial.
