The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Rufai Abdulkarim before the Kaduna State High Court over allegations of criminal misappropriation of funds.
Abdulkarim was brought before Justice Darius Khobo on a one-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of ₦2 million belonging to one Timothy Tachio.
According to the charge, the defendant allegedly received the sum on or about February 4, 2021, in Kaduna as part payment for a piece of land valued at ₦7 million but reportedly failed to remit or refund the money, instead converting it to personal use. The offence is said to contravene Section 293 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and is punishable under Section 294.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel Moses Arumemi requested a trial date, while defence counsel Kabiru Mohammed applied for bail on behalf of the defendant. The court, however, adjourned ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The case reportedly stemmed from a petition alleging that the defendant diverted funds paid for a land transaction and failed to provide a refund after disputes arose.
DAILY TIMES
