Alleged N7.5bn fraud: EFCC re-arraigns ex-works minister, others

Details: Category: Law, Crime & Judiciary; Published on Wednesday, 08 June 2011 10:48; Written by Admin; Hits: 952

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, re-arraigned the former Minister of Works, Dr Hassan Lawal and 15 others, over an amended 29-count charge of fraud and money laundering amounting to N75.5 billion.

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Out of the 15 accused, only 11 were present in the court for the re-arraignment.

When the amended charge was read to the accused, counsel for the former minister, Ibrahim Ishaku, raised an objection as to the competence of the charge and, therefore, prevented his client from taking his plea.

Ishaku premised his objection on the ground that the charge did not disclose a prima facie case against the accused, as provided for by Section 167, Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).

The other accused present in court pleaded not guilty to all the charges prefered against them.

The amended charge contained 29 counts as against 23 which the former charges contained and four additional accused were included in the new charge.

The four of them included Dave Enejoh, Okala Phillip Yakubu, Thahal Paul and Mr Abbey Ayodele.

Also, the representatives of both Siraj Nigeria Ltd and Nairda Ltd, Mr Guy Pelleg and Mr George Elzoghibi, were now charged as individual.

The presiding judge, Justice Bilikisu Aliyu, adjourned the matter till today.