EFCC arraign s​ FCT minister’s ​former ​chief of staff

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,​ ​EFCC​,​ has​ ​arraign​ed Muhammad Gital, a former chief of staff to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, on corruption charges.

Mr. Gital was arraigned before an Abuja High Court in Jabi.

Mr. Gital and his co-accused, Sani Abba, a Deputy Director, Mass Housing at the Federal Capital Development Authority​, allegedly conspired and defrauded Duru Ejiogu, the managing director of Visioni and Strauss Nigeria Limited of N60 million.

They were ​arraigned on a four count-charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence and abuse of office.

The ​said ​money was collected on the pretext that it would be used to facilitate the change of Land Use in respect of Plot No: 523, Cadastral Zone BOO Kukwaba District, from Passive Recreation to Residential.

They were said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In view of their plea, the Prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir​,​ asked for a date for the commencement of trial.

Justice Akpaza granted the accused bail of N50 million and one surety each.

The sureties, Mr. Akapza said​,​ must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 12 and​ must​ be resident in the FCT with evidence of home ownership.

The case was adjourned to June 4 for trial.