Posted by Bola Audu, a former president of the Senior Civil Servants Association of Nigeria (ASCSN), has been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for alleged N72 million fraud.On Thursday, Audu faced five counts of charges during his arraignment before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
His anti-union actions led to his expulsion from ASCSN, where he served as president.
A sport utility vehicle for the office of the President of ASCSN was supposed to be purchased with N69 million, but the government claims that Audu embezzled the money in the five-count accusation.
Another accusation leveled against Audu was that he steered N3 million toward the union’s election.
Upon hearing the accusations, he entered a not guilty plea. The defendant’s attorney, Babatunde Adewusi, requested bail on his behalf.
The ICPC’s Assistant Chief Legal Officer Osuobeni Akponimisingha contested the bail motion and asked for a trial start date after his not guilty plea.
“Our concern is that the defendant not appear in court,” Akponimisingha stated.
“For his professional conduct in the handling of the case,” the defendant’s lawyer praised Akponimisingha in his response.
According to Judge Halilu, an accused individual has the constitutional right to bail, which is conditional on the seriousness of the crime.
According to Halilu, a person is believed to be innocent unless proven guilty.
“In order to prove guilt, the prosecution must present credible evidence,” the court remarked.
The judge ruled that Audu might be released on bond for the charges against him.
Afterwards, the judge granted Audu’s bail request, stipulating that he must provide two sureties who are federal civil service directors.
The judge further stated that the directors are required to present official documents verifying their employment and advancement to the position of director within the public sector.
According to Halilu, the defendant would be sent to Abuja’s Kuje Prison if the bail conditions are not met.
The trial in the case will not begin until May 6th.