EFCC Arraigns ABU Deputy Bursar For Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Deputy Bursar of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Ilyasu Abdulrauf Bello, on one-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of six-million-naira.

He was arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court.

The EFCC revealed this development in a post on their official website.

Bello, who is also the Acting Chairman of the university’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), allegedly siphoned part of the funds in the Association’s welfare account.

The charge reads, “that you, Ilyasu Abdulrauf Bello sometime in December 2018 in Kaduna within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court while being the Acting Chairman, SSANU ABU Chapter, conferred gratification to yourself to wit: the sum of N 6,325,000.00 ( Six Million Three Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Naira only) from the total contract sum of N 6,825,000.00 awarded by SSANU ABU Chapter to P.A NDAHI Printing Company for the printing of T-shirts and Face Caps, and you thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000”.

According to the EFCC, its investigation revealed that several unauthorized withdrawals were done without the knowledge of other members of the association.

The suspect has however pleaded not guilty and the prosecution counsel, J.Musa, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial. The defense counsel, J.H Dacep, urged the court to grant bail to his client.

Justice Darius Khobo granted bail to the defendant in the sum of two million naira with one reliable surety who must be resident in Zaria and own a landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy.