A director in Kogi State civil service attached to Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Lokoja, Mr Matthew Zakari and two others have been arraigned in Upper Area Court I, Lokoja for allegedly defrauding All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kogi State chapter of about N70 million. The two other accused persons are Mr. Alidu Adamu and Hawa Adamu who is still at large.
They were arraigned in Court on a six-count charge of criminal conspiracy and forgery of documents contrary to sections 97, 309, 312, 364, 366 and 367 of the Penal Code.
The First Information Report (FIR) read in court revealed that the accused persons were alleged to have conspired together and fraudulently forged documents which enabled them open an account with United Bank of Africa, IBB Way, Lokoja in the name of AFAN.
The FIR added that with the account, Kogi State Government through the State Agriculture Credit Scheme disbursed the sum of N67million which was meant for registered farmers in the State.
The court was further told that the said sum was allegedly misappropriated by the accused persons.
When the charges were read to them, the accused persons admitted to have understood the contents but pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The police prosecutor, Cpl. Ubani Ubi said investigation was still ongoing and the accused persons were on police bail.
Counsel to the accused persons, Barrister Ahmed and O.O. Onoja pleaded the accused persons be granted bail adding that they would not jump bail.
In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Paul Olupeka granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.
The case will come up again on 2nd July 2013 for further hearing
