…EFCC alleged that the defendants used false pretenses to defraud contractor Kenneth Ifekudu of ₦2.280 billion.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Danjuma Mohammed, the former National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) under the North East Development Commission (NEDC), over alleged involvement in a ₦2.2 billion fraud.
He appeared in court alongside two others, Prince Chibuike Echem and Aminu Alhaji, the latter reportedly at large.
The EFCC, in a 54-count amended charge filed before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Zuba, alleged that between May 2022 and February 2024, the defendants used false pretenses to defraud contractor Kenneth Ifekudu of ₦2.280 billion.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges read before Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya. Their lawyer, Mr. Chukwuka Obidike, requested their release on bail pending the outcome of the trial.
Prosecution counsel Adeola Olarenwaju opposed the bail application, prompting the EFCC’s lawyer to seek time to file a counter-affidavit explaining why the defendants should remain in custody.
Justice Ogbonnaya ruled that it was in the interest of justice to allow the prosecution to respond to the bail request. Consequently, the defendants were remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the determination of their bail application.
The case has been adjourned until March 25 for trial.
