Abuja Court: Bail Revoked in Ex-AGF Trial Over Alleged N109.5 Million Fraud

In a significant legal development, the Maitama High Court in Abuja took decisive action on Tuesday by rescinding the previously granted bail to Geoffrey Olusegun Akindele, a key figure in the ongoing trial involving the former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.

The charges leveled against the defendants in this high-profile case pertain to an alleged fraudulent diversion of public funds amounting to a staggering N109.5 million, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria. The court’s decision was triggered by Akindele’s failure to appear for the continuation of the trial.

Justice Yusuf Halilu, presiding over the court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stood firm in his decision to revoke Akindele’s bail, despite pleas from the defendant’s counsel, S.E. Adino. Adino asserted that Akindele was on his way to the court and had consistently attended previous hearings. However, Justice Halilu emphasized that the reciprocal responsibility of a defendant granted bail is to attend the trial, and Akindele’s absence was indicative of a lack of good character.

Consequently, the court directed the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and produce Akindele in court for the next adjourned date, scheduled for February 1, 2024.

The charges brought forth by the EFCC against Akindele, Idris, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited include 14 counts related to stealing and the fraudulent diversion of public funds.

Oluwaleke Atolagbe, the prosecuting counsel, informed the court during the proceedings of a letter from Idris’s counsel. However, he highlighted the absence of any communication from the counsel representing Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited. Atolagbe expressed concern that the lack of representation for Idris might be a deliberate attempt to prolong and potentially delay the trial proceedings.

The backdrop of this legal saga involves Ahmed Idris, the former Accountant-General, facing accusations of accepting a gratification of N15,136,221,921.46 from Akindele between February and December 2021. The prosecution contends that this substantial amount, converted to its dollar equivalent by Akindele, did not form part of Idris’s official remuneration. Instead, it allegedly served as an incentive to expedite the payment of a 13% derivation to nine oil-producing states.

The EFCC has specifically charged the defendants with violating Section 155 of the Penal Code Act Cap 533 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. They are set to be held accountable under the same section for these alleged financial irregularities. In addition to the aforementioned charges, Idris and Akindele also face accusations of criminal breach of trust for dishonestly receiving N84,390,000,000 between February and November 2021.

As this complex legal drama unfolds, it raises questions about the integrity of financial systems and the imperative for accountability in the management of public funds. The court’s firm stance in revoking bail underscores the gravity of the charges and emphasizes the importance of ensuring a fair and expeditious trial process. The next court date on February 1, 2024, looms as a critical juncture in determining the course of this legal battle.