The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former District Head of Unguwar Mu’azu, Aliyu Idris (Cika Soron Zazzau) before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense.
Idris was alleged to have sometime in 2012 defrauded Yusuf Baban in a land scam involving N15, 900,000. Idris had deceived his victim into believing that he had the authority of Alhaji Shuaibu Kazaure to dispose of his landed property located at No. 3 Bye-pass light industrial Estate Unguwan Mu’azu, Kaduna covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. KD 5653.
According to Baban, he was informed by Idris that the land was for sale and goes for N17 million, out of which he had paid the sum of N15,900,000 ( Fifteen Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira).
After the payment, a sales agreement was written and duly signed by both parties.
However, when Baban asked for the original documents of the land, Idris began to tell tales upon tales, which made Baban to suspect foul play. He thereafter, demanded for the refund of his money, but this was to no avail, prompting him to take his cry to the EFCC.
The offence is contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and Punishable under Section 1(3) of the Same Act.
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge. Prosecuting counsel, Esmond Garba, thereafter, urged the court to fix a date for commencement of trial.
The defence team, however, made an oral application for bail.
Justice Khobo entertained the application noting that the defendant was already on EFCC’s administrative bail.
Idris was granted bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must own a property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The case was adjourned to 14th January, 2019 for commencement of trial.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
