The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) under the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Danjuma Mohammed, over his alleged involvement in a N2.2bn fraud.
Mohammed was arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Zuba, alongside Prince Chibuike Echem, while a third defendant, Aminu Alhaji, was said to be at large.
In a 54-count amended charge filed by the EFCC, the anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants, between May 2022 and February 2024, used false pretences to defraud a contractor, Kenneth Ifekudu, of the sum of N2.280bn.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them by the trial judge, Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya.
Following their plea, defence counsel, Mr. Chukwuka Obidike, applied for the release of the defendants on bail pending the determination of the case.
The prosecution counsel, Adeola Olarenwaju, opposed the bail application and requested time to file a counter-affidavit to show reasons why the defendants should remain in custody.
In her ruling, Justice Ogbonnaya held that it was in the interest of justice to allow the prosecution adequate time to respond to the bail application.
She consequently ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the determination of their bail request.
The case was adjourned until March 25 for the commencement of trial.
