The
Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on Thursday arraigned former
Governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Yerima in Gusau High Court for alleged
misappropriation of over N1 billion while he served as governor in 2006.
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| Ex-Gov. Sani Ahmed Yerima |
The former governor is
standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on misappropriation of the fund.
Counsel to the ICPC,
Mashkur Salisu said the money was a bank loan meant for the repair of collapsed
Gusau Dam and payment of compensation to victims affected by the incident, but
was diverted by Yerima.
The offence, he said, is
contrary to and punishable under section 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices
and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
Also charged with Yerima
was one Alhaji Hashim Dikko, and two companies, Development Management Ltd. and
HAD Nig Ltd.
They were accused of
misapplication and overshooting of contract sum for the supply of assorted grains
to the Federal Government, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira.
All the accused persons
pleaded not guilty.
Mahmoud Abubakar, who led
eight other lawyers to appear for the accused persons, pleaded with the court
to grant them bail on self recognition, with an assurance that they would not
jump bail.
Justice Bello Shinkafi
granted bail to each of the accused persons in the sum of N100 million and two
sureties in like sum.
Shinkafi ruled that the
sureties must own landed property worth N150 million, while one of them must be
resident in Gusau and adjourned the case to Feb. 29 and March 1, for hearing.
Speaking to newsmen after
the court session, Yerima alleged that the case was instituted against him by
his “political enemies”, adding: “we will use politics to fight back.”
* Culled from New Mail
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