The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi zonal office has arraigned chairman of Otukpo local government area of Benue State, George Ali and three other top council officials in the State High Court over an alleged fraud of N792,025,996.90. George Ali was arraigned alongside the Director-General Service and Administration, Mohammed Audu, Treasurer John Ali and Cashier, Morgan Ejoga all of Otukpo local government area. The EFCC counsel, Chia Yakubu asked the court for a date to commence trial and also sought an order to remand the defendants in correctional centre. But the counsel to the defendants, J J Usman prayed to grant the defendants bail on liberal terms and assured court that they will always be in court to stand their trial. Ikpambese granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2m each and adjourned the case till June 23, 2020, for the commencement of trial.

Source: Nigerian Tribune June 11, 2020 15:22 UTC