The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tuesday, arraigned Sa’adu Maiwada, Deputy Accountant General of Katsina state, alongside Sani Lawal BK before Justice M.S Abubakar of the Federal High Court Katsina on a two count charge of conspiracy and money laundering.
Also arraigned along with the defendants is a company, Integrated Gas Services Limited, where the 1st defendant doubles as managing director.
A press statement issued by the Head Media and Public Affairs of the agency, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the defendant, in their capacity as then Sub-Treasurer and Deputy Sub-Treasurer in the office of Accountant General of Katsina state, allegedly colluded and diverted the sum of N261, 869, 824.00 from the coffers of Katsina state government.
The money was allegedly laundered through Integrated Gas Services Limited, a company where the 1st defendant (Maiwada) is a director.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the court entered a ‘not guilty’ plea for the 3rd defendant, Integrated Gas Services Limited.
In view of their pleas, counsel for the prosecution Aisha Tahar Habib asked the court for a trial date.
Counsel representing the defendants, J.P. Israel, moved a bail application on behalf of his clients and prayed the court to grant them bail.
Justice Abubakar granted the defendants bail in the sum N50 million each with two sureties who must be residents of Katsina.
