The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has arraigned Garba Kamba, former Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, and Mohammed Tunga, the State’s former Commissioner of Finance for allegedly misappropriating the sum of N664, 000,000.
The accused persons, who served under Saidu Dakingari, former Kebbi State Governor, were docked before Justice Umar Abubakar of the Kebbi State High Court, on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, theft, conferring corrupt advantage on themselves and using their positions for gratification.
Both men were alleged to have diverted the sum of N349,475,000 meant for the provision of power generators and “other logistics” for all polling units in Kebbi State during the 2015 general elections.
They were also accused of using their offices as SSG and Commissioner of Finance to defraud the State of N315,000,000 which was meant for a religious sensitization programme in the 21 Local Government Areas of Kebbi State during the 2015 general elections.
However, investigations by the ICPC revealed that though the amounts were released, no generating set was purchased and no Imam or Mallam benefitted from the sensitization money.
Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the ICPC, The offences were contrary to and punishable under sections 19 and 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and if found guilty, the defendants could be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment without an option of fine.
Following the pleas, counsel to the accused persons, Ahmad Fingilla and Lagalo Lagalo respectively, filed a bail application on behalf of their clients.
Bail was granted to each of them in the sum of N10 million and one surety in like sum who must be resident and possess property worth N10 million within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case was subsequently adjourned to 26th October 2017 for the commencement of hearing.