N169m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Delta Scholarship Board’s Secretary, Accountant

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, March 31, 2015 arraigned the former executive secretary of Delta State Scholarship Board, Peter Amromanoh and the Chief Accountant, Andrew Boji Nkwor before Justice C. O Emifoniye of the Delta State High Court, Asaba on a 5-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

On the last adjourned date the duo had challenged  the jurisdiction of the court and the proof of evidence, stating that it does not disclose the commission of the offence in the charge.

However, after listening to the defence and prosecution counsel, Justice Emifoniye today ruled that the court had jurisdiction and ordered the accused persons to take their plea immediately.
 
The duo pleaded not guilty to the charges.
 
Count 3 of the charge reads; “ Mr Peter Amromanoh “M” being the Executive Secretary of Delta State Scholarship Board and Andrew Boji Nkwor “M” being the Chief Accountant of the Delta State Scholarship Board sometime between 2008 to 2012 at Asaba in the Asaba Judicial Division of the High Court of Delta State, stole the sum of N31, 720, 000.00 ( Thirty One Million , Seven Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira), being money meant for the payment of Bursary to students of Delta State origin studying in various institutions of higher learning in the 2008 to 2010 sessions by fraudulently paying same to ghost students which you knew, not to be true and thus fraudulently converting the said sum to your own use”

In view of their plea, counsel to EFCC, Steve Odiase asked for a trial date. The Judge adjourned the matter to April 30, 2015 for trial.

Nkwor is alleged to have abused his office and,  in connivance with the former Executive Secretary of the Board, Peter Amromanoh, stole monies meant for the payment of bursary to Delta State students studying in various institutions of higher learning. They are also alleged to have paid bursary to “ghost” students.

Media & Publicity
31st March, 2015