The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned former Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ibrahim Garba along with the Bursar of the school, Ibrahim Shehu Usman, before a Federal High Court in Kaduna State.
Garuba and Usman were arraigned before Justice Rilwan.M Aikawa for alleged N1 billion project fraud.
According to the anti graft agency, they are alleged to have diverted the monies from different accounts of the institution meant for the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria.
They however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to them.
Based on their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Jamil Musa urged the court to remand the defendants at the Correctional Centre and fix a date for the commencement of trial.
In a counter response, the defence counsel, M.S Aatu (SAN) for the 1st defendant and Bello I. Jahun for the 2nd defendant urged the court to admit their clients to bail.
Justice Aikawa granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million naira each with one surety each in like sum the surety according to the judge must not be below Grade Level 15 in the civil service.
The defendants must also deposit their international passports with the Registry of the court. They are to further report to EFCC on the first Monday of every month until the court directs otherwise.
The case has been adjourned till June 20 for trial.
