A Federal High Court, Abuja has granted an order remanding the suspended Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris in Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged N109bn fraud.
The presiding judge, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal High Court, ruled that Idris be remanded in prison pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Before the verdict, Idris’ legal counsel, Uche prayed the court for bail, citing the deplorable condition and threat around Kuje Prison.
He also said that Idris had been on administrative bail.
But Rotimi Jacob SAN, EFCC lawyer contended that the world and media would see it as a wrong signal.
The presiding judge ruled that the court will not dance to the rhythms of public opinions, but would follow due process.
“In the interest of justice, they are remanded at the Prison custody pending hearing of this (bail application) case,” the judge ruled.
He adjourned the hearing on the bail application to Wednesday, July 27.
The New Diplomat had reported that Idris was nabbed by operatives of the EFCC on May 16, 2022, in connection with a series of frauds that was initially thought to be N84 billion.
Shortly after the Federal Government announced the suspension of the accountant-general.
In a letter conveying Idris’ suspension, the Minister of Finance warned the embattled public official not to visit the office at any time, adding that the suspension was in line with the public service rules.
The letter titled, ‘Letter of Suspension’ read in part, “Following your recent arrest by EFCC on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective May 18, 2022.”
Subsequently, the EFCC arraigned Idris alongside three others on 14 counts of stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109, 485,572,691.9.
Others arraigned with him are Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and a firm — Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.
