The Kaduna zonal command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ibrahim Garba, former vice-chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), for alleged N1 billion fraud.
Garba was arraigned on Wednesday alongside Ibrahim Usman, ex-bursar of the institution, at the federal high court sitting in Kaduna on a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering.
The EFCC said the duo allegedly diverted the monies meant for the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria from different accounts of the institution.
But during the court session, the pair pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, Jamil Musa, the prosecuting counsel, prayed the court to remand them at the Kaduna correctional centre and fix a date for the commencement of the trial.
However, M.S Aatu, and Bello I. Jahun, counsels to the defendants, urged the court to admit their clients to bail.
In his ruling, R.M Aikawa, the presiding judge, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million each with one surety each in like sum.
Read More: ‘So concerned’ Garba Shehu defends president’s absence at COAS’ burial
The judge also ruled that the sureties must not be below grade level 15 in the civil service.
He further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the registry of the court.
The court also asked the defendants to report to the EFCC on the first Monday of every month until when told otherwise.
Aikawa thereafter adjourned the case till June 20 and 21 respectively for a hearing.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
