A former commissioner for Health in Ebonyi State, Henry Aloh, has been charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, for allegedly diverting N79million meant for the renovation and construction a general hospital in the state.

Aloh who was arraigned before the High Court of Ebonyi State, is accused of conspiring with one Sam Agbo, a manager at the Intercontinental Bank plc (now Access Bank) in Ebonyi State, to divert the sum to an account allegedly opened in the name of one John Okoli, who was falsely presented as a representative of the company.

“Part of the allegations against the commissioner was that he procured John Okoli who was his patient and Patrick Chukwu, his Personal Assistant to be signatories to the account opened in the name of the company, which is contrary to and punishable under,” a statement signed by the head of media, ICPC, Folu Olamiti said.

The offence is contrary to sections 26 and 19 of the ICPC Act 2000 and section 473 (2) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Investigations carried out by the commission, revealed that theoffences were committed in 2005 when the Ebonyi State government awarded a contract for the renovation and construction of Amasari General Hospital to the tune of N79 million.

The prosecution counsel, Raheem Adeshina, did not oppose the bail application moved by M. Erhenede and Emeka Uwake counsels to the accused.

The chief judge of the state, A.N Nwankwo, who is presiding over the case granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50 million and one surety in like sum who must be resident within the courts’ jurisdiction.

The case has been adjourned to October 22 for hearing.