Usman A. Usman, 40, was charged on Tuesday at a Kaduna High Court for allegedly obtaining N10 million through fraudulent means.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is pursuing Usman on two counts of fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the EFCC’s prosecuting attorney, E. K. Garba, sometime in July 2022, the defendant obtained N10 million from one Saleh Yusuf through the use of a contract to supply tricycles under false pretences and with the intent to defraud.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant refused to provide the tricycles or give back the money after receiving the money.
Garba added that the complainant’s attempts to get his money back were unsuccessful because the defendant fled to an unidentified location.
He said the defendant committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (a) & (c) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006.
Consequently, upon the reading of the charge and the defendant’s not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court to remand the defendant pending the trial and determination of charge.
However, counsel to the defendant, Auwal Sarki, told the court that he had a bail application filed on behalf of the defendant and same had been served on the prosecution.
He urged the court to allow him to move the application.
The judge, Justice Dairus Khobo after listening to the application granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3million with two sureties in like sum.
Khobo ordered that each surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must in addition, own a landed property.
He further held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.
The judge adjourned the case until March 16 for hearing. (NAN)
