NIGERIA: EFCC Arraigns Four In Borno Over Alleged ₦50 Million Fraud

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four individuals before the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, over allegations of fraud amounting to ₦50 million.

 

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Nuhu, Babagana Maru, Ahmadu Sale, and Alhaji Mala Gana, were brought before Justice Muhammad Maina on separate charges of criminal misappropriation and breach of trust.

 

According to the EFCC, the alleged fraud involved funds meant for business transactions and humanitarian aid, with the accused persons allegedly diverting the money for personal use.

 

One of the cases involved Mohammed Nuhu, who reportedly misappropriated ₦18.9 million belonging to Mohammad Baba Shettima.

 

The funds, which were provided by the non-governmental organization Action Against Hunger, were meant for humanitarian purposes but were allegedly converted for personal use.

 

In another case, Babagana Maru was accused of dishonestly misappropriating ₦8.5 million that was entrusted to him by Imam Manu Dauda for the purchase of tricycles. Instead of fulfilling the transaction, Maru allegedly diverted the funds for personal gain.

 

When the charges were read in court, all four defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad, urged the court to set trial dates and remand the accused in a correctional facility.

 

However, defense counsel Z.M. Umaru made an oral bail application for his client, Babagana Maru.

 

Justice Maina granted Maru bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties of equal sum. One of the sureties must be either a blood relative or a recognized traditional title holder.

 

The court adjourned the cases to April 26, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

 

The remaining defendants were remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Center pending further proceedings.