The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday commenced the prosecution of Mustapha, son of the former Kogi State governor, Audu Abubakar, over an alleged N18 million fraud before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
A statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson read, “The trial of Mustapha Audu, son of former governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu and his wife Zara Audu commenced Monday, April 15, 2013 before Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar of the High Court of the Federal Capital, Territory, Abuja.
“Mustapha, his wife and their company, Constructor Guild Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for their alleged role in a N18 million land scam.
“They were alleged to have falsely obtained the sum from one Nike Kolawole under the pretext that they will get her a four-bedroom house at Katampe Extension, Abuja; and another property at Camelyn Estate, Idu Sabo, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“According to her, she met the second accused, Zara Audu whom she confided in, that she was interested in buying properties in Abuja, but would prefer an arrangement that allowed for payment by instalment as she would be unable to mobilise all the funds at once for the type of properties which she desired.
“She stated that two separate agreements were drafted on the 6th of June, 2011 in which she agreed to pay a total of N53million for both houses. She said she immediately paid the sum of N3 million as commitment fee and subsequently paid N10million and N5million respectively for the take off of both projects.
“But in December 20, 2011, Kolawole informed the second accused that she was no longer interested in the properties since no moves were made to construct the houses and therefore asked for a refund. The accused persons promised in writing to refund her by March, 2012; a promise they never kept.
Following Kolawole’s testimony, defence counsel, Okechukwu Ajunwa asked for a short date to enable him cross examine the witness. The case has been adjourned to May 21-22, 2013.
