N6.4bn fraud: EFCC appeals discharge of UBEC officials

Posted by admin EFCC Politics, Latest Politics Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has asked the Court of Appeal, Abuja, to set aside the September 19 ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court in which it discharged former Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Prof. Bridget Sokan, and six others standing trial in a N6.4bn fraud charge.

The six others are Molkat Manasseh Mutfwang, Michael Mtonga Aule, Dr. Andrew Ekpunobi, Intermarkets USA, Intermarkets Nigeria Limited and Alexander John Cozma.

Justice Adamu Bello had discharged them of all 64 count charges bordering on fraudulent inducement, criminal conspiracy and subversion of due processes in the award of N787m contracts.

The contract was for the supply of plastic chairs and desks to junior secondary schools.

According to a statement by the EFCC Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, the commission in the notice of appeal filed on Monday asked the appellate court to review the ruling of the lower court on two grounds.

It contended that the trial judge erred in law by upholding and granting the respondents’ application for a no-case submission in spite of the oral and documentary evidence before the lower court.

-Punchwp_posts