EFCC re-arraigns FIRS Directors, 6 others for alleged N4.5bn fraud

*The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned three former Directors and eight other Officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for alleged corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of N4, 558,160,676.9K taxpayers’ money

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

For purported corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of N4, 558,160,676.9K Nigerian taxpayers’ money, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned three former Directors, including the Coordinating Director, and six other personnel of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) before Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, in Abuja, FCT.

The anti-graft agency Wednesday, June 23, 2021, had re-arraigned Peter Hena, former Coordinating Director, and eight other officers of the agency, including Mohammed Bello Auta (Director of Finance), Amina Sidi (Finance and Account Department), and Umar Aliyu Aduka (Internal Audit) before the court.

Other are Mbura Mustapha (Deputy Manager), Obi Okeke Malachy (Services Group), Obaje Napoleon Adofu (Head of Budget), Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred (Officer II) and Benjamin Jiya (Assistant Director).

The defendants however pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, report said.

It was gathered that their re-arraignment followed the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.

The defendants were docked on a 42-count charge bordering on corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of the Nigerian taxpayers’ money to the tune of N4, 558,160,676.90K.

Count one of the charges reads: “That you, Peter Hena, Mohammed Bello Auta, Amina Sidi, Umar Aliyu Aduka, Mbura, Mustapha, Obi Okeke Malachy, Obaje Napoleon Adofu, Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred and Benjamin Jiya, while being staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Services between January 2017 and December 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired together with the other officials of FIRS to conceal funds which are proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of funds and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 and punishable under Section 15(2) (a) and (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 ( as amended by Act No. 1 of 2021).”

Recall that the EFCC initially had arraigned the accused three Directors and eight officers at the Federal Inland Revenue Service linked to a N4.5billion scam March 2021.

In view of their plea at the time, Ekele Iheanacho, Prosecution Counsel, had requested the court for a date to commence trial.

Sequel to the defendants’ request for bail through their counsel, Justice Ojukwu granted them bail in the sum of N100million each and sureties in like sum.

The sureties, who must be Nigerians residing in Abuja, with landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court, are also to provide evidence of Tax Clearance.

The judge also ruled that defendants are to deposit their travelling documents with the Court and to seek the permission of the Court before travelling out of the country.

The matter was adjourned till June 14, 15, 23, 24, 28, 29, 2021 for commencement of trial.