Court Arraigns, Remands Ex-KASCO MD, 2 Others for Alleged N4b Fraud
By ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN
The Kano State Government on Thursday arraigned a former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the state’s Agricultural Supply Company, (KASCO), Bala Muhammad Inuwa, his son, Bala Muhammad Inuwa junior and an Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Compassionate Friends over N4 billion alleged fraud.
It could be recalled that sequel to investigations by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), the Office of the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, filed the charges against them,
According to (PCACC) its investigations revealed that the defendants diverted over N4 billion from the account of the state’s agricultural supply company into personal accounts.
The defendant’s Counsel, Prof. Nasir Adamu Aliyu had argued that the defendants cannot be arraigned due to the non-availability of some facilities that include the defendant’s statements, and list of witnesses among others, saying that without the facilities it would amount to hindrance of the defendant’s constitutional rights to fair hearing in line with Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019.
However, the judge ruled that it was not enough ground not to take the plea of the defendants and asked that the charges be read to them.
After the ten count charges that include criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, false statement to cover up the transaction, and mismanagement of grant money among others.
In their pleadings, the defendants said they were not guilty of the charges read to them.
The defense Counsel, Prof. Nasir Adamu Aliyu then made an oral pleading asking the court to allow the defendants to continue to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by another high court on the matter.
This, the Complainant Counsel, Barr. Zaharadeen Hamisu Kofar Mata argued that though they are not objecting to the bail it should not be by oral pleading but by proper application before the court.
In her ruling, Justice Hafsat ordered the defence counsel to bring a bail application which may be taken tomorrow Friday, if the application is ready, and ordered the defendants be remanded.
Justice Hafsat adjourned for hearing of the substantive suit to December, 6th, 2023.
