EFCC Arraigns Two Suspects for N12.9m Fraud

The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made significant strides in its fight against financial crimes as it arraigned two individuals, Babakura Muhammad Nur and Kaltum Mustapha, for criminal misappropriation amounting to N12,950,000. This development unfolded on Monday, May 13, 2024, marking a crucial step in addressing financial impropriety within the region.

In a carefully orchestrated legal maneuver by EFCC, the suspects were brought before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court on a one-count charge each for criminal misappropriation and cheating. Babakura Muhammad Nur stands accused of dishonestly converting N11,600,000 meant for foodstuffs, belonging to Alhaji Usman Mohammed, for personal use. Meanwhile, Kaltum Mustapha faces charges of inducing individuals to deliver N1,350,000 for the supply of products that were not fulfilled, constituting a violation under Section 320(a) of the penal Code.

The courtroom drama ensued as both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to their respective charges, setting the stage for legal arguments and proceedings. Counsel for the EFCC,the prosecution comprising Mukhtar Ali Ahmad, S.O Saka, and A.D Aliyu, pushed for trial dates and the immediate remand of the defendants in prison custody, underscoring the gravity of the alleged offenses.

Legal Battles By EFCC and Bail Proceedings

Amidst the legal confrontation, Counsel to the defendants, M. Abubakar, pursued avenues for bail. Justice Kumaliya, after careful consideration, granted bail to Kaltum Mustapha in the sum of N2 million, accompanied by two sureties, one of whom must be her husband, with the other being a staff member of the Borno State Civil Service not below level 10. This decision reflected the court’s commitment to due process while ensuring the integrity of the legal proceedings.

However, a different fate awaited Babakura Muhammad Nur as he was remanded in the Correctional Centre, awaiting the commencement of trial. Justice Kumaliya set the stage for justice to unfold, adjourning the matters till May 27, 28 & 29, 2024, signaling the beginning of a legal saga led by EFCC that promises accountability and retribution for financial malfeasance.

While Also UniJos Union Leaders Accused of N178m Land Fraud

In a dramatic turn of events at the Plateau State High Court, Jos, the trial of Kassam Kopte and Yakubu Zwalnan, former Chairman and Secretary of the University of Jos Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions, took a compelling twist as the Fourth Prosecution Witness, Bitrus Sambo Bako, unveiled a distressing tale of alleged fraudulent activities. The witness, in a detailed narrative before Justice S.P. Gang, shed light on how the accused duo purportedly orchestrated a sophisticated scheme, luring unsuspecting union members into fraudulent land deals and subsequently absconding with their hard-earned life savings.

Led by EFCC counsel, Steve Odiase, Bako recounted his firsthand experience with the defendants during their tenure as union executives. With Kopte serving as the UniJos NASU President from 2012 to 2019, and Zwalnan as the Secretary, the witness revealed a pattern of deceit and exploitation, painting a grim picture of betrayal and financial misconduct within the university community. Bako’s testimony unveiled a web of deceit, where promises of land ownership were made, payments were solicited, yet the rightful documents and possession of the land were allegedly never delivered.

Allegations Unveiled: Exploitation within UniJos Community

The allegations leveled against Kopte and Zwalnan, as outlined in the three-count charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), underscore the gravity of the situation. The charges, which include criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to defraud, amounting to a staggering N178,583,560.36, have sent shockwaves across the university campus and beyond. The prosecution’s led by EFCC counsel meticulous presentation of evidence, coupled with Bako’s compelling testimony, has illuminated the alleged modus operandi employed by the accused, exposing a glaring breach of trust and exploitation of the trust reposed in them by the union members.

As the trial adjourns to July 15, 2024, for further proceedings, the UniJos community remains gripped by the unfolding saga, grappling with the ramifications of the alleged betrayal by their erstwhile union leaders. Justice Gang’s impartial adjudication of the matter underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served. With the spotlight firmly fixed on this high-profile case prosecute by EFCC, the quest for truth and accountability continues, as the wheels of justice inch forward, seeking to bring closure to the victims and restore faith in the integrity of institutional leadership