EFCC drags former ABU VC, Bursar to court over N1bn fraud

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on March 29, 2023 dragged the former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garba and the former Bursar of the institution, Ibrahim Shehu Usman before the Federal High Court sitting Kaduna, Kaduna State.

They appeared before the court presided over by Justice R.M Aikawa on a nine-count charge which border on money laundering to the tune of over N1billion.

This was confirmed in a statement released by the spokesperson of the command, Wilson Uwujaren.

He said the duo allegedly diverted the funds from different accounts of the institution which was meant for the capital project — the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria.

The accused pleaded ‘not guilty’ before the court when the charges were read to them.

The prosecuting counsel, Jamil Musa implored the court to order the remand of the defendants at the Kaduna Correctional Centre and choose a date for the start of trial.

The defence counsel, M.S Aatu (SAN) for the 1st defendant and Bello.I. Jahun for the 2nd defendant implored the court to grant their clients bail.

Justice Aikawa accepted their prayers as granted them bail in the sum of 5 million naira each with 1 surety each in like sum.

The sureties must not be lower than Grade Level 15 in the civil service.

The defendants were required to deposit their international passports with the registry of the court.

They are to further report to EFCC on the first Monday of every month until the court directs otherwise.

The case has been adjourned till June 20-21, 2023 for hearing.