The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, September 18, tendered before the high court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a telephone video evidence against Babachir Lawal, the former secretary to the government of the federation.
The EFCC, through its prosecution witness, Fatima Umar, told the court presided over by Justice Jude Okeke, how Lawal defrauded the federal government the sum of N500 million, Premium Times reports.
The anti-graft agency, in a 10-count charge, claimed that the former SGF alongside his brother, Hamidu Lawal, and two firms, Rholavision Engineering and Josmon Technologies, diverted the said sum.
The agency said that Lawal held indirectly private interest in the contract awarded to Josmon Technological Limited but executed by Rholavision Engineering Limited for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation to the tune of N258 billion by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) through the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE).
Umar told the court that the former SGF’s offence“was punishable under section 12 of the corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
However, the defence counsel, Akin Olujimi, opposed the video evidence on the ground that the prosecution has not presented any certification in relation to the information as required by section 84 of the evidence act.
Justice Okeke adjourned the case till Friday, September 24, after listening to the hearing.
According to the press release signed by Willie Bassey, the director of information, Yemi-Esan, the permanent secretary, ministry of petroleum resources, will take over from Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita.
Presidency, Nigerians give their thoughts on the fight against corruption.
