Engr. Idris Wada Saleh, a former commissioner for works and infrastructure, was remanded in the custody of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday due to an alleged N1 billion fraud, according to an order from a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano.
A former commissioner to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the defendant is facing trial on two counts of providing false information, making a fraudulent return, and cheating.
According to the prosecutor, Mr. Salisu Tahir, Assistant Director, PCACC, the defendant was taken into custody on July 3 at around 2:30 p.m.
He said that the defendant gave N1 billion to Arafat Construction Company, No Stone Construction Company, and Multi Resources sometime in 2023 for the rehabilitation of 30 roads in the
metropolis, noting that the projects weren’t carried out.
Tahir filed an exparte under section 295(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019 urging the court to remand the defendant at PCACC custody for 14 days to enable them to complete the investigation.
“The defendant has a case to answer of N1 billion belonging to the Kano State government.
September 10, Top National News You Need To Know
“The exparte application is supported by seven paragraphs deposed by one Insp. Sa’id Ilu, attached with six voucher exhibits,” Tahir stated.
He urged the court to grant the application to enable the agency to file a proper charge against the defendant in the interest of Justice and public outcry.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provision of section 26 of PCACC 2010 as amended and section 322 of the Penal Code.
The defense counsel, Mr Mustapha Idris, urged the court to grant the defendant bail pursuant to sections 35(6) and 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
He said, “The defendant is presumed innocent and the offence is bailable pursuant to sections 168 and 172 of ACJL Kano State 2019 and order 5 rules 1 and 3 of ACJL rules 2023.”
Chief Magistrate Tijjani Sale-Minjibir, ordered the remand of the defendant in PCACC custody for 12 days
He adjourned the matter until July 14, for a ruling on the bail application.
Follow us on facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.