The arraignment of Mohammed Bello Abubakar, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Sokoto State, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Rilwan Mohammed Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Sokoto on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 did not hold after all.
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The arraignment of Mohammed Bello Abubakar, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Sokoto State, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Rilwan Mohammed Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Sokoto on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 did not hold after all.
Abubakar who was the Permanent Secretary of Local government and Community Development, Sokoto State between 2007 and June 2012 and presently Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sokoto State was to be arraigned alongside the Deputy Director, Finance and Supply, Abubakar Abdullahi Ahmed on a 43-count charge bordering on conspiracy and forgery.
Though the suspects were present in court, they could not take their plea as the defence counsel, Y.C Maikyau, SAN, informed the court that he has two pending applications which should be determined before his clients can take their plea. The applications, according to Maikyau, border on the release of his clients’ seized properties and consideration for bail. “Though the matter is for arraignment, I have two applications before your lordship which I urge your lordship to consider before my clients are asked to take their plea.” he stated”.
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Counsel to EFCC, Seidu Kazeem Atteh raised no objection.
Justice Aikawa consequently adjourned the case to April 7, 2014 for hearing of pending applications and arraignment.
Abubakar, a civil servant, is alleged to be living above his means as the extent of his assets is not supported by his legitimate sources of income. He is said to own five companies - Rose Gallery Nigeria Limited, Silver Spring Concept, Gidadawa Global Ventures, BAG Interiors and Eco Habitat Nigeria Limited – and several bank accounts. It was gathered that over N2bn (two billion naira) was paid into the suspects bank accounts by various individuals and companies between 2008 and 2012 for unstated services. The suspect also has properties at various locations across Sokoto State valued at over N476m (four hundred and seventy six million naira).
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
14th March, 2014
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