THE Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Aisha Alkali Wakil, popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, and two other accomplices.
Mama Boko Haram and two others identified as Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Soyode were sentenced to five years imprisonment by Justice Aishat Kumaliya of a Borno High court.
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EFCC arraigns Mama Boko Haram, two others for conspiracy, cheating
EFCC arraigns Mama Boko Haram, two others for conspiracy, cheating
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According to a statement released by the EFCC on Tuesday, June 14, the conviction followed the re-arraignment of the defendants on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and conspiracy.
According to the statement, the EFCC had re-arraigned the accuses persons in September 2020 on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N71.4 million.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges but, after trial, Justice Aishat convicted them, stating that the prosecution proved the case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyode, whilst being chief executive officer, programme manager and country director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation (a non-governmental organisation), sometime in the year 2018 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, induced one Saleh Ahmed Said of Shuad General Enterprises Ltd to deliver to you 3,000 bags of beans worth N71,400,000 under the false pretence of executing a contract for the supply of same, which you made the said Saleh Ahmed Said to believe that you had the capacity to pay the entire contract sum upon execution, which you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Sections 1(1) (b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
The judge also ordered the convicts to pay the sum of N30,500,000 as compensation to the victim.
She added that the convicts would serve an additional 10-year jail term should they refuse to pay the fine.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M