EFCC arraigns ex-Naval Chief, others for N600m fraud

EFCC arraigns ex-Naval Chief, others for N600m fraud

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 12:00 am


EFCC operatives

EFCC operatives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman O. Jibrin and two others before an Abuja High Court on a 4-count charge of criminal conspiracy.

His two co accused, Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia (rtd) and Rear Admiral Shehu Ahmadu (rtd), were docked alongside Habour Bay International Limited.

EFCC alleged that the naval chiefs whilst in office allegedly bought a house worth N600million from the account of Naval Engineering Services without the said purchase contract being captured in the budget.

The anti graft agency also alleged that the documentation for transfer of ownership of the property was done in a way that a private company owned by the family of the first defendant (Vice Admiral Jubrin) was presented as the buyer.

EFCC alleged offence is in contravention of Section 26 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Act 2000.

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

In view of their plea, counsel to EFCC, Abdullah Faruk, asked the court for a date for commencement of trial.

However, Y. C. Maikyau, SAN, representing the first and fourth accused, through an oral application made pursuant to Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution sought for the bail of his clients.

Maikyau told the court that the defendants had been enjoying administrative bail granted them by the EFCC and had never breached any of its terms.

The counsel stated that though he had earlier filed and served the prosecution with a formal bail application, he felt the need to move an oral application subject to the discretion of the court.

Counsel representing second and third accused relied on the arguments canvassed by the learned silk in seeking bail for their clients.

In response, Faruk told the court that, he was served this morning and asked for time to enable him respond appropriately.

Justice A.S Umar after listening to the submissions of counsel on both sides adjourned to tomorrow for hearing on the bail application.

 


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