Haruna Baba Jauro
At the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State today, the Economic and financial crime Commission (EFCC) arraigned two sets of officials alleged to have defrauded Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to the tune of N645.4 million.
Nigeria foremost anti-graft Agency in the first charge consisting of nineteen counts filed before the court by EFCC Head of Legal Department, Gbolahan Latona, it was alleged that the former Acting Director General of NIMASA, Haruna Baba Jauro, and Personal Assistant to Patrick Akpobolokemi, Dr Dauda Bistrus Bawa and a Limited liability company, Thlumbau Enterprises Limited, converted N314.4 million property of NIMASA into private use.
According to SaharaReporters, the EFCC said the offence was committed between 6th January,2014 and 30th of May,2015 and violates sections 15(1)(3)and 18(a) of money laundering act,2012 as all the accused persons pleaded not guilty.
The lawyer who appeared for the accused persons, M.I.Chawar urged the court to admit them to bail since the accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the EFCC prosecuting counsel, however did not oppose the bail application, but he urged the court to impose conditions that will compel the accused to attend trial.
Justice Olatoregun Ishola, in her ruling, admitted the two accused persons to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are to swear to affidavit of means and to produce three years tax clearance, while the third accused company is to produce N5 million bond.
The case was adjourned till 17th May for trial.