The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former President of the Senior Civil Servants Association of Nigeria (ASCSN), Bola Audu for alleged N72 million fraud.
Audu, a civil servant in the Office of the Accountant General who was recently suspended by the Federal Government over alleged involvement in corrupt practice.
He has also been expelled as a member and President of ASCSN over anti-union activities.
In the five-count charge, the government accused Audu of alleged misappropriation of N69 million that was meant for the purchase of a sport utility vehicle for the office president of ASCSN.
In another charge the prosecution told the court that Audu allegedly diverted N3 million into the union’s election.
Audu denied the five-country charge when it was read to him on Thursday.
Following his not guilty plea, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer at the ICPC, requested a date for commencement of trial.
But the defendant’s lawyer, Babatunde Adewusi, urged the court to admit his client to bail.
A bail request filed by Adewusi on 15 February moved because the prosecuting lawyer did oppose the application.
“My Lord, we are interested in the defendant attending trial,” Akponimisingha said.
In his reaction, the defendant’s lawyer commended Akponimisingha “for his professional conduct in the handling of the case.”
(The Nation)
