The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against four individuals in Borno State, accusing them of defrauding victims of a combined total of N50 million. Hobnob News reports that the defendants appeared before Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri on Wednesday, facing allegations of criminal misappropriation and breach of trust.
The defendants, identified as Mohammed Nuhu, Babagana Maru, Ahmadu Sale, and Alhaji Mala Gana, were arraigned on separate charges related to the alleged N50,030,000 fraud.
One of the charges against Mohammed Nuhu detailed his alleged misappropriation of N18.9 million, which was entrusted to him by Mohammad Baba Shettima from the non-governmental organization Action Against Hunger. The charge stated that Nuhu converted the funds for his own use, violating the Penal Code Law of Borno State.
Similarly, Babagana Maru was charged with dishonestly misappropriating N8.5 million, which he received as an advance payment from Imam Manu Dauda for the purchase of tricycles. His actions were deemed to be in violation of the Penal Code Law of Borno State.
When the charges were read to them, all four defendants pleaded not guilty. Following the pleas, prosecuting counsels S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad requested the court to set trial dates and remand the defendants in a correctional facility.
However, Babagana Maru’s counsel, Z.M. Umaru, made an oral application for his client’s bail. Justice Maina subsequently granted Maru bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must be a blood relative or a traditional title holder.
The court adjourned the cases to April 26, 2025, for the commencement of trial, and all four defendants were remanded in the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Center.
This arraignment underscores the EFCC’s continued efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure accountability. The large sum of money involved highlights the severity of the alleged offenses and the potential impact on victims. Hobnob News will continue to follow the proceedings and provide updates as the trial progresses.
