EFCC arraigns ex-Adamawa council boss for N981million fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday arraigned a former chairman of Demsa Local Government Council of Adamawa State, Felix Tangwami, before Justice Helen Hamman-Joda of the state High Court.

He was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on obtaining N981 million by false pretence.

Mr. Tangwami had allegedly used his position to award a number of contracts to companies he had interests and failed to deliver on the contract terms.

The former chairman awarded contracts for the supply of cerebrospinal meningitis vaccines awarded to Binam Integrated Services Ltd; supply of VVF Oral Vaccines for Immunization against typhoid to Nchaloro Nigeria Ltd; and supply of 500 units of motorcycles to Bange Integrated service Ltd.

Other contracts were building of a school for technical skill acquisition in Numan in favour of Bange Company Ltd and the supply of anti-snake venom in favour of Tafari Nigeria Ltd.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Chris Meishelia, asked the court to fix a date to commence trial.

However, defence counsel, Sule Abdul, told the court he had a pending application for the bail of the accused.

The counsel urged the court to admit him to bail, explaining that the offence for which he is being charged is bailable.

The presiding judge therefore admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500million with one surety in like sum.

The court said the surety must be a family man residing within the jurisdiction of the court and must own a landed property worth N100million.

The case was adjourned to February 22 for hearing.