An accountant with the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Balarabe Hassan has been arraigned alongside Suraj Oyewepo, a senior Cash Office Staff, before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna on a nine-count charge bordering on theft to the tune of over N114 million.
According to an EFCC statement, the defendants were arraigned on Wednesday, May 3 by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Among the allegations against Balarabe was that he fraudulently enrolled a company, RAYYAN GENERAL MERCHANT owned by Oyewepo into the GIFMIS platform on the basis of which the company received various payments without any legitimate reason.
The EFCC further said its investigation also traced payments made by RAYYAN GENERAL MERCHANT into Balarabe’s account.
The EFCC further said that investigation revealed that Balarabe, who was also a signatory to the Staff Revolving Loan Account, withdrew cash from the account and wasn’t able to explain what it was used for.
They pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to them.
Based on their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Suleiman.I. Suleiman urged the court to remand the defendants and fix a date for the commencement of trial.
However, the defence counsel, A. Sule, S.Utuagha and M. Adamu applied for the bail of their clients.
Justice Khobo granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N10m each with one surety in like sum who must own a landed property within Kaduna.
The defendants are also to deposit their international passports with the registry of the court.
The case was adjourned till July 4, 2023 for hearing.