EFCC docks man for 419 offence

Monday, February 22, 2016 7:05 pm

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has docked a man before Justice S. K Idrisu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence.

Francis A. Igo’s arrest and subsequent arraignment followed a petition by one Dr. Aliero Shehu Usman of Ministry of Finance, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The petitioner alleged that sometime in October, 2012 he got a call from one ‘Engr. Yusuf’ who claimed to be an employee of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Jalingo.

Yusuf, who later became Igo, claimed he had been awarded a contract to supply some solar kit Model 10a to National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), Abuja.

According to Usman, Igo introduced him to one Professor Williams, who claimed to be the Director, Finance and Supply of NIPP where he was told to register with a certain amount before he could get the supply.

The petitioner alleged that after paying the required amount into the account supplied by the accused, he could still not deliver on his promises.

Igo and his accomplice, who operate as syndicate, were alleged to have in a similar fashion defrauded several unsuspecting victims of their hard earned income.

The accused person pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Salihu Sani asked the court for a date to commence trial and also to remand the accused person in prison custody.

Justice Idrisu ordered the accused person to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned to March 8, 2016 for hearing on the bail application and commencement of trial.