The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have docked three staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida in Niger state on a three count charge of embezzlement, conversion of funds and conferring undue corrupt advantage on themselves by adding three ghost names as workers in the establishment.
The accused persons, Sadiq Abubakar, Awaisu Baba Bida and Ihuoma Mariam appeared before a Minna High Court 4 Monday as hearing on the matter continued.
The offenses committed by the accused persons, according to Barrister Emeka Ihekoronyi, ICPC Principal Superintended, run contrary to section 26 (1) C of the ICPC Act punishable under section 19 of the act, section 16 of the ICPC act punishable under same section.
The ICPC counsel said the commission was briefed to help in recovering the sum of N24, 398, 441, 09 from the suspects who have been using ghost names to defraud the Federal Medical Centre in Bida.
However, the counsel to the defendants, Barrister Bala Zuru said it was necessary for the prosecution to establish prima face case against his clients if any, adding that we believe our clients did not commit the offenses.
Barrister Zuru said that the accused persons who are working in the Pay Roll and Audit office do not have direct contact with money in cash at FMC Bida.
While cross examining the Director of Administration, FMC Bida, Alhaji Musa Ladan as PW witness, Zuru argued that one Yunusa Kasim who is the head of finance of FMC should have be brought before the court in the matter being the officer directly in charge of disbursement of money.
The case is adjourned till 25th November 2020 for further hearing