The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Thursday, arraigned the duo of Saadu Maiwada and Sani Lawal BK before Justice Musa Danladi of the Katsina State High Court on a five-count-charge of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.
The Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, in a press statement in Abuja, said the defendants, in their capacity as then Sub Treasurer and Deputy Sub Treasurer in the office of Accountant General of Katsina state, allegedly conspired and converted the sum of N289 million from the coffers of Katsina state.
He said investigation revealed that the defendants laundered the stolen funds through the account of Integrated Gas Services Limited, a company where the first defendant (Maiwada) is a Director.
“The sum of N49, 000,000 was also allegedly transferred from the account of Integrated Gas Services Limited to the personal account of the second defendant (Lawal BK) who is now the Deputy Accountant General of the state,” Uwujaren added.
He said both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them, and in view of their pleas, Counsel to the Prosecution, Aisha Tahar Habib, prayed the court for a trial date.
The spokesperson further stated that Counsel for the Defendants, J B Israel, made an oral bail application on behalf of his clients but the prosecution objected, demanding for a formal application as the court is a court of record.
He said Justice Danladi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N5 million each, even as the court ordered that each defendant must provide a surety with a landed property within Katsina and present letters of introduction from a traditional ruler.
The matter was adjourned till July 24, 2023 for trial, Uwujaren added.
