Alleged N950m fraud: Shekarau discharged and acquitted

Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, has opened his defence in the 950 million Naira 2015 presidential election campaign fund trial at the Federal High Court, Kano.

The court has struck out the name of former Governor of Kano State and now Senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, as the first defendant in the case following Appeal Court judgment upholding his no-case submission in the matter.

The court renamed Wali as first defendant and one Mansur Ahmed as second defendant.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had arraigned Shekarau, Wali, and Ahmed on six-count charges bordering on conspiracy and receiving 950 million Naira 2015 election campaign funds without passing through a financial institution.

The trio argued that no prima facie case was established against them and made no case submission but the court ruled that they have a case to answer.

Shekarau’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa SAN, informed the court that the Appeal Court had on October 20 discharged and acquitted his client on all count charges.

The court consequently struck out his name.

Wali, in his defence said the 950 million Naira was received at Fidelity Bank and that the EFCC has seized 25 million Naira from the money.

Justice Lewis Allagoa adjourned to December 7 for final written addresses.