The Makurdi Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has arraigned the Chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Loko Tersoo, its Secretary, Treasurer, and 5 other members/Commissionersbefore Justice Abdu Dogo, of the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State.
The defendants were docked on a 23-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, forgery, and money laundering, to the tune of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira only), The defendants however pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges preferred against them.
Also Read: Court fixes July 2 for adoption of Orji Kalu’s suit against EFCC
Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, Ramiah Ikhanaede, asked for a trial date and that all the defendants be remanded in a Correctional Facility.
However, counsel to the defendants, B. A. Iorhegh, presented an oral application, asking the court to admit the defendants to bail on self-recognitions or in the alternative, grant them bail on liberal terms.
Justice Dogo then admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N10 million each with one surety in like sum.
The Surety he said, must have a fully developed landed property worth N50 million and must be working in Benue State.
He must also submit two recent passports photographs and original letters of appointment.
All defendants are also banned from travelling outside Nigeria without the knowledge of the Court.
The case was adjourned till September 28, 2021 for the commencement of trial.
(Edited by Tunde Orebiyi)
