109.5bn fraud: Ex-AGF Idris, others seek plea bargain

The suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and three others standing trial over alleged N109.5 billion fraud, have sought a plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, who disclosed this at the resumed hearing on Wednesday, told the court that the defendants had sent someone to the EFCC asking for a plea bargain.

Justice O. Adeyemi Ajayi, however, adjourned the case until Oct 4 after listening to the submissions of all the counsel in the matter.

Other defendants are Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, had charged the defendants 14 counts of alleged misappropriation of N109.5 billion. At an FCT High Court.

The EFCC alleged that between February and December, 2021, Mr Idris accepted gratification from Mr Akindele, a gratification to accelerate the payment of 13 per cent derivation to the nine oil producing Sates, through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

It also alleged that N84. 3 billion was converted from the federal government’s account by the former accountant general and second defendant between February and November 2021.

The EFCC said the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 155 and 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

NAN

Kalu Idika

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